A historic campaign at the African Youth Games sees every Team SA athlete return home with a medal around their necks.
Luanda (18 December 2025) – The African Youth Games came to a thrilling close for Team South Africa, with the nation’s karatekas capping off the tournament by adding three more medals on the final day to bring their total to six. It was a fitting finale to a campaign that was defined by skill.
The 2025 African Youth Games campaign marks a historic achievement for South Africa, with every athlete returning home with a medal for the first time in Karate South Africa’s (KSA) history.
Here’s how Team South Africa made sure to bring back those medals.
The final day kicked off with the Team Kata girls facing off against Algeria, where they secured a silver medal after a polished and disciplined performance. Shivaan Ramdhial followed with a tense under-55kg kumite match, narrowly missing out on gold by a single point to take silver, while Sahastra Ramtahal rounded off the medal tally with bronze in the Girls +66kg Kumite division.
Earlier in the tournament, the South African athletes had already made a mark in tough conditions, battling intense heat and humidity. Rio Cruz earned bronze in Kumite 76kg, Galliano Boni claimed bronze in Individual Kata. The Team Kata squad, made of Shivaan Ramdhial, Darius Narainsamy, and Raahi Ramchunder also brought home bronze. Yathiksha Sewpersad finished fifth in Kumite -53kg, while Galliano Boni had to withdraw from his Kumite 76kg medal match on medical advice.
Coaches Michael and Charlene, alongside SASCOC support staff, ensured the athletes had everything required to excel. The results in Luanda point out the growing strength of South Africa’s youth karate programme. With every athlete returning home with a medal, the campaign stands as a sign of a bright future for the sport and a generation that’s ready to compete.
Sources: Karate South Africa
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