As the moment in time freezes, the crowd awaits the nextanxious moment with bated breath. And then 16 years old Sybyl Fernandes landsthe blow that secures the winning point, knowing now that what glitters beforeher is indeed gold.
Her trainer, internationally acclaimed Sensei JosephRodrigues, who conducts classes at the Goa Pharmacy College in Panjim, has seenher as a fresher right through to her black belt. He is all smiles when hesays, “Sybyl is such a prodigious talent that she has received critical acclaimfrom instructors in Tokyo. That is high praise indeed, as Japanese standardsset the bar for this martial art.”
A student of Rosary Higher Secondary in Dona Paula, it’sbeen a seven year long journey for Sybyl. 2011 saw her excel at the WorldChampionships in Tokyo, clinching the gold in both the Kata and Kumite events.She has since added to her impressive tally of records, stealing the limelightwith another four gold medals in May 2012. Two of these at the 17thNational Tournament held at Baramati, Maharashtra, and another two, on hometurf at the Second Invitational National Tournament.
Adding to her already impressive list of achievements, Sybylhas gone on to be the first Indian National to have given her black belt examin Japan at the Headquarters of the World Shotokan Karate Federation. Her prideat having achieved something this momentous is obvious as she beams from ear toear and says “It was a huge moment for me. To be the first Indian to have donethat and gotten the response that I did for senior officials was unbelievable.”An ardent sportsperson, she also represents Goa in football, softball, andhockey at the under 16 level. As she customarily comes out all guns blazing,facing Sybyl Fernandes in the ring is a daunting prospect.
