Apurva Shukla 
When Srikar Masanam took up learning Taekwondo ten years ago, the thought of representing New Zealand on the world stage may not have crossed his mind.
This Mount Roskill Grammar School Year 13 student will make his parents, family, relatives, peers, teachers and his coach proud as he participates in the World Taekwondo Federation (WTO) Junior World Taekwondo Kyorugi Championships later in the year.
Srikar will be a part of the New Zealand team at the matches scheduled to be held in Burnaby, Canada from November 16 to 22, 2016.
Good Example
This young man is a good example of people of Indian origin excelling in sports in New Zealand. A dedicated and disciplined student, his proficiency in Taekwondo has been fostered by rigorous training, support of his father Sheshidhar and mother Sneha and the congenial environment at school and other encouraging factors.
The Taekwondo Club encourages balanced growth and overall development. Srikar has been an achiever in his academic and sports and is continually working on honing his mental faculties to be more focused and patient on crunch situations.
Impressive performance
A Black Belt and ‘III Dan,’ (level of expertise), Srikar was chosen to the National Team at the National Taekwondo event held in Rotorua in March 2016. He impressed selectors by winning in the ‘Male Under 55 kg Division.’
His parents say that as well as being passionate about the sport, Srikar volunteers to assist other budding martial artists keen on progressing in Taekwondo, which, as the eighth most played game in the world, was included in the Olympics in 2000.
“Srikar is a busy young man these days, as he keeps a close watch over the Taekwondo event at the Rio Olympics 2016 (from August 18), completing his school assignments and keeping pace with other activities. His special interest is in Men’s 58 kg category, the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals of which are to be held shortly.,” they said.
As he grows up to be a fine young man fulfilling his dreams and that of his parents and teachers, Srikar also hopes to help beginners in Taekwondo become professionals.
“I hope to contribute to the growth and development of this energetic martial art in New Zealand. It helps young men and women become physically fit, mentally alert and lead a disciplined and orderly life as well,” he said.
Great platform
WTF Junior World Taekwondo Kyorugi Championships provide a great platform for young enthusiasts like Srikar to display their abilities to the wider Taekwondo community.
Taekwondo New Zealand is the governing Member National Association responsible for promotion and development of World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and Olympic- style Taekwondo in New Zealand. The Federation accounts for more than 80 million registered members in 191 countries.
