Young prod igy eyes the Olympics

DURBAN teen Sherav Maharaj has his sights set on one day competing in the Olympic Games in badminton.

Sherav, 15, is ranked second in South Africa in the under-17 category.

Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net.

Sherav, from Mayville, last week won both the doubles and mixed doubles final at the U-17 SA Championships and Inter-provincials that took place in Benoni in Gauteng.

The Durban High School pupil said he was thrilled to have won gold and moved up in ranking.

“I was previously ranked fifth in the under-15 category. I am thrilled to be number two now, but want to make the number one spot.

“Although I just turned 15, I play in the under-17 with older teammates,” he said.

Sherav started playing the sport at the age of 9 after being encouraged by his two older sisters, Laika and Akaila, who both play competitively.

“There are many aspects that go into playing sports. Badminton requires different abilities. You have to have good hand eye coordination

and mental strength. You need to keep fit,” said Sherav, who practises twice a week.

He said he would like to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games some day.