14-Year-Old Karateka Earns European Bronze Medal Following Citizenship Approval

A 14-year-old boy has secured a bronze medal at a European karate championship, an achievement that came after his participation was jeopardized by a pending citizenship application. Mayon, a black belt from Barnsley, had been chosen to represent England at the European Shotokan Karate-do Association European Championships. Although born in the United Kingdom, he was registered as an asylum seeker and had been awaiting the outcome for four years since his parents submitted his application for British citizenship. His application received approval merely three days prior to the tournament’s commencement, allowing him to obtain a passport and journey to Portugal for the event. Mayon’s parents, originally from Sri Lanka, have resided in the UK for over two decades, holding asylum seeker status. The application for Mayon’s citizenship was submitted by them in 2020. Mayon drew inspiration from his mother, Nilupuli Samarasinghe, who also holds a black belt and whose training he observed from the age of three. He stated that his family was “all running about” upon learning of the Home Office’s decision. “We’ve worked so hard for it, you don’t understand how much it means to our family,” he commented. “I was over the moon, that’s all I’ve wanted, I’ve been dreaming about it every night.” Prior to his departure for the competition, he expressed: “All I want is to go to Portugal and win for my country.” Ryan Tucker, his instructor at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club, mentioned that club members were “really proud” of Mayon’s performance. Tucker added that two additional students from the club also participated, ensuring all three would return to a “fantastic reception.” “Mayon has a really good attitude and he’s a fighter,” Tucker remarked. “I’m sure as soon as he’s back, he’ll be back in the dojo, working hard for the next one.”