Karate Champions’ Scholarships Recognise Years of Dedication

BY: .

Two karate stars in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Ms Mikaylla Totaram and Ms Sanjana Maharaj, have received UKZN Prestige Sports Scholarships in recognition of their outstanding achievements in martial arts for over 12 and 14 years, respectively. 

Totaram is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) alongside developing her karate and table tennis skills. She has practised karate since she was six, falling in love with the sport almost instantly, with a particular affinity for the kata aspect that involves choreographed, simulated combat movements. She took up table tennis in Grade 6, finding it a source of cheer and calm - and her passion for the sport has grown. 

Developing as a sportswoman has accelerated Totaram’s personal growth. Preparing for karate gradings gave her drive and determination, and she has already earned Protea colours for karate after years of training, camps and tournaments; aiming to reach the same level in table tennis. She has achieved her Shodan black belt after eight years of practice in the Shotokan style and represented South Africa several times. 

Totaram is developing a business venture in the form of a fast-growing table tennis club. She has captained the uMgungundlovu team, representing the district nationally, and her school team at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. Having participated in many national tournaments, Totaram is ranked in the top 20 in the country. 

Totaram’s interest in computer programming began at a young age when her cousins introduced her to computer game programming. This led her to choose IT as a high school subject, where she enjoyed its tasks and experimenting with technology. 

Choosing UKZN because of its proximity to home enabled her to continue living with her parents and focus on her studies, Totaram has enjoyed her time at the University and plans to specialise in data science to honours level. 

She plans to find work in the field and is considering furthering her studies while working. 

Receiving the scholarship has supported Totaram’s education and demonstrated that hard work pays off, motivating her to do well in her studies, knowing that the University supports her goals. 

Totaram thanked her Sensei, Mr Theo Pillay, for encouraging her to excel and push past more challenging moments. She thanked her table tennis coach, Mr Kurt Lingeveldt, for his constant support and encouragement. She acknowledged her teammates for their constancy and her sisters, Nitara and Kritika, for pushing her to improve and being excellent training partners. She expressed gratitude to her parents for enabling her development and supporting her. 

Maharaj is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, focusing on computer engineering owing to a long fascination with computers and technology. UKZN was a natural choice due to its strength in engineering and research and its proximity to Maharaj’s home and support system. She appreciated the care from the staff at the Institution and their investment in her progress. 

Maharaj started karate at age five, introduced to the sport by her father for its self-defence benefits and was encouraged to participate in the sport as it became an integral part of her development. 

The mental aspect of karate, says Maharaj, is equally as important as the physical and fitness aspects, developing self-confidence, relational skills, discipline, and providing a sense of community and belonging. 

Maharaj received her elite KwaZulu-Natal colours in 2018 and, in the same year, qualified for the South African team to participate in the Commonwealth Games. In 2021, she was selected to represent her country in the Continental Karate Championships in Egypt, which was eventually cancelled due to COVID-19 travel bans. In 2022, she earned her full Protea colours for competing in Botswana. Then she competed in the Southern African Championship and was selected for the African Continental Championship. 

Last year, Maharaj was the youngest karateka selected for the inaugural South African team invited to participate in the Association of National Olympic Committees Africa Beach Games.

Maharaj called receiving the scholarship an honour, providing financial relief for her family and acknowledging her hard work and dedication, which has involved late nights, challenging assignments, and sacrifices to excel in sports and studies. Her sense of accomplishment provides impetus to strive for academic and personal excellence, knowing she has the support and investment of a prestigious University behind her. She has taken it as a reminder to stay focused and maximise her opportunities. 

Maharaj attributes her success to her parents and sisters, and is grateful for their belief, support and sacrifices. She also credited her instructors and coaches for their guidance, belief and support. 

Words: Christine Cuenod

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini