BASINGSTOKE’S Su-Ha-Ri Karate School member returned with 10 medals from the Western Karate Union competition in Western-super-Mare Diya Shanmugaraj (7) contested the girls eights kata (routines) category.

In only her third competition she surpassed expectations to take the gold medal.

Shravya Subash also enjoyed success, taking the bronze in the girls 10’s high belt kata. Mia Lane rounded the kata off in the mixed 13 to 15s intermediate category.

Despite being two years younger than her opponents, 13-year-old Lane performed well to earn the gold.

After a successful start with the kata it was time for the kumite (fighting). Lexie Green of Tadley took gold in the last WKU competition in the nine and under age group.

She made the brave transition to 10 to 12 years level and made a good debut in the higher category but was denied a medal.

Green then teamed up with two other girls to contest the three-person Team Fighting.

In a twist of fate Green’s opponent was the same girl who had defeated her in the individual category.

This time roles were reversed and Green won, helping her team through to the semi-finals where they took a well-earned bronze.

Bishop Challoner pupil Anthony Parmar entered the boys 10 to 12 years category.

He sailed through the first three rounds to take him to the semi-finals.

After conceding the first two points and putting everyone on the edge of their seats for most of the fight, Parmar pulled it back in the last few seconds earning him a place in the final.

This proved easier than his semi-final and Parmar dominated his opponent throughout the match to take the gold.

Lucas Spiers (13) of Tadley entered the boys 13 to 15 years heavyweight category.

He fought well to get to the second round against older opponents, but was beaten by the boy who went on to win the category.

Costello student Sibi Kumara contested the 13-15 lightweight category, but was denied advancing passed the first round by the eventual silver medallist.

Undeterred Kumara and Spiers teamed up with Joe Clifford of Farnborough for the three-man Team Fighting.

Battling against 15 year olds the trio did well to get to the semi-finals where they emerged with a bronze.

Mia Lane finished the day off with a bronze in the 13-15 girls’ kumite.

Overall the club took three golds, one silver and six bronze finishing ninth out of 34 clubs.

Coach Kevin Crine said, “I’m very impressed with the spirit that they showed. Apart from two of them, they were all the youngest in their categories.

“It takes a lot of courage to go up against kids two years older, who are bigger and more experienced.

“Also, the squad were mainly beginners, so to finish in the top 10 is a great achievement.”

Su-Ha-Ri Karate School trains at Basingstoke Sports Centre on Fridays, from 6.45 to 7.45pm and at Tadley Swimming Pool on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm.

For more info contact Jon Wicks on 01252 326498 or visit su-ha-ri.co.uk.