Karate legend receives Paul Harris Fellow Award

Karate legend Sonny Pillay Hanshi was honoured at a Gala Dinner Celebration Banquet hosted on Sunday, May 11, by the Shotokan Karate International South Africa (SKISA).

The event was held in Durban, at the Sastri College Convention Centre. Mr Pillay was bestowed the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary International.  

The Paul Harris Fellow pin and a diploma was presented by fellow Paul Harris awardee and Rotarian, Richard Naidoo, on behalf of the Umhlatuzana Rotary Club in Durban.

Also in attendance was visiting Japanese karate champion Manabu Murakami, former World Champion. He was the guest of honour at the SKISA Awards Dinner Banquet.

Mr Naidoo, a community leader and president of the Umhlatuzana  Rotary club, south of Durban, praised Mr Pillay’s efforts in his field of humanitarianism.

“Karate Grandmaster Sonny Pillay Hanshi has championed the cause of the less fortunate through his regular social outreach projects. He is deserving of the prestigious  Paul Harris Fellow Award,” said Mr Naidoo.

Mr Pillay currently serves both as President of the National Federation Karate South Africa (KSA) and the Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF).

Mr Pillay said he was delighted to have been presented with this special accolade.

“Given that I was never a Rotarian, I am humbled and very moved by the fact that Rotary International chose me from the many applications they annually receive for this extraordinary commendation award. Accolades like the Paul Harris Fellow inspire me to continue to work harder through the medium of our noble sport karate in addressing the scourge of poverty that inevitably plagues our youth,” said Mr Pillay.

Mr Pillay also serves the All Africa Karate Federation as vice-president and regularly represents KSA as the head delegate at International Karate Events (worldwide). He said it is gratifying to be recognised in his own country for his service to humanity.

“I remain grateful to Richard Naidoo for his endeavours for the past decade. He believed in me and submitted my name for the Paul Harris Fellow recognition to  Rotary International for their consideration,” said Mr Pillay.

Mr Pillay is currently busy with organising the Africa SADC Countries championships for Durban 2025, this event kicks off on Friday May 23.