A student at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine (NRMSM) who has excelled in karate was recently acknowledged at an international tournament in Russia. Fourth-year student, Mr Thabani Mndebela, and his three team mates were recognised as the best fighters in their category at the International Karate Team Tournament held in Khabarovsk, Russia, on May 11.The International Karate Organisation presented the team with the Best Fighters Diploma for their prowess in the martial art. Mr Mndebela's participation in a tournament in South Africa last year - the All African Kyokushin Karate Tournament - led to his selection for the Russian competition.
Mr Mndebela, who has a brown belt, said he felt he "deserved" this win because of the "hours of hard work I have put in". He trains daily at UKZN's Old Mutual Sports Hall. Students are often advised to balance their studies with extra curricular activities and Mr Mndebela has struck this balance through his karate training. It has taught him discipline and motivated him in his studies. The aspirant paediatrician said he chose to study Medicine because he "liked serving people".
Professor Willem Sturm, Dean of the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine said: "Students and staff at the NRMSM are proud of Thabani's achievements. He is a role model for younger students in that he performs in his sport at international level while being successful in his studies as well."
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