Gymnasts gain glory

After seven years of training 14-year-old Yazad Sarkari and his younger brother Kerfi, 13, have now started competing in international gymnastic events. At their first international competition in Malta on July 23, 2006 where they had to show their prowess on six apparatus, Yazad won five bronze medals and stood third in his age group of over 14 while Kerfi who won four gold and silver mix medals earned the second place in his age group of under 14, notes their justifiably proud mother Khushman listing their accomplishments.

Representing London at the National competitions in 2005 and 2006 Yazad emerged the champion twice in succes-sion with his first ranking. In 2004 he had received recognition in the form of the most improved senior award while Kerfi won recognition as the most improved junior award. With their stellar performances their team too has been receiving much acclaim and honors at different meets like Youth Games Qualifier and Crystal Palace for Youth Games. In 2005 Kerfi got selected for the World Class team but unfortunately had to opt out due to back injuries which made training and competing impossible.

Kerfi (left) and Yazad Sarkari: stellar performance

When the energetic boys were enrolled in the Harrow School of Gymnastics, they were originally coached once a week for an hour. Both being naturals at the sport, they were soon selected for their squad and training gradually became more intense with Yazad now training 14 hours a week and Kerfi for nearly 23 hours. Kerfi’s first competition was in 2000 where he won gold medals for highest scores in rings, floor and vault. In 2002 Yazad took part in Cheam floor and vault competition where he got a silver medal. Once their talent was recognized their determination to excel has been spurring them onwards.