Stars align for Myuoor Pillay at Brazil karate tournament

“I was thinking about God, my family, my country, and the university,” so said University of Cape Town (UCT) student Myuoor Pillay as he reflected on the moment he took to the podium to receive a silver medal following a remarkable performance in the team male kata at the Brasília 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports.

Pillay also thrilled in the individual male kata, making it to the quarterfinals. The tournament – held in June – brought together 1 500 participants from approximately 50 countries. The stars aligned in a big way for him, in the presence of his family, who had made the trip with him.

Pillay’s karate journey spans 16 years, having started at the age of four. “I’m a very competitive person, who loves to win. And I love my academics,” the third-year business science student said. “I remember my first karate class because I was very nervous and I was thinking to myself at the time that this could go either way. I loved it from the second I started because it was fun. I enjoyed the movements involved and the drills we were doing in class. Little did I know these were all building me into the athlete I am today.”

Fast forward to June 2026, and Pillay was part of a group of athletes from the university who competed at the World University Championship Combat Sports in Brazil. “This was a huge tournament for me; one of my biggest because the world’s best were going to be together. Getting ready for that tournament took a lot of dedication and sacrifice: early mornings and late nights. The routine for the longest time was accumulating three hours of training every day. I ensure that my week encompasses a balance of technical training and strength and conditioning training,” he said.

“This I did for three years to ensure that I was ready for any tournament that came my way.” He admitted that his training became more intense when he was selected for the tournament.

“The experience was overwhelmingly amazing [in Brazil]. From the get-go, there was a realisation that this is a world-class tournament. The atmosphere was also daunting due to the level that would be required for such a tournament. It was also very professionally managed. The competition atmosphere also energised me, as excitement for my performance drew closer. That feeling of being able to step onto the world stage once again was a blessing.”

“I don’t believe there is any secret to my success. It’s discipline, dedication and hard work.”

The medal, Pillay said, is a testament to his perseverance. “I don’t believe there is any secret to my success. It’s discipline, dedication and hard work. Consistency is the key. If you are not consistent, you won’t see results.”

He added: “I got to celebrate with my family, as my mom and dad joined me at the tournament. When I returned, I got to also share the celebration with my sister and my pet, Hazel. So, as much as it’s my win, it’s my family’s medal as well because of how much of a support structure they have been.”

Stay disciplined

The university supported Pillay by acceding to requests that would ensure a seamless competition for one of their best student athletes. “The support [from the university] meant that I could focus on the competition without having to stress about my academics, for example, because the tournament happened in the middle of exams.”

Fresh off the tarmac from Brazil, Pillay went straight to the USSA Championships. “There was just one week off,” he recalled with a laugh. Naturally, he was the guy to beat given how well things worked out at the South American tournament. “The mindset, for me, was still the same. I needed to put in a good performance. The work wasn’t done. It was a moment to show why I’m a world medallist.

“It’s true that people wanted to beat me, and they did not hide that. I kept saying to myself that I would not let that happen – I focused on myself because I figured that I had prepared well.”

He set the standard once again: “I am grateful and blessed to win the USSA Championhsip back-to-back from 2025 to 2026. USSA is a special tournament for me as it encompasses two huge parts of life coming together: being a student and being an athlete.”

Pillay continued: “People often stop just before things start going right. When things feel like they are not going right, I think just trust your plan. Stay disciplined. When you stop trying … that is what I consider failure.”

He places a premium on support structures: “My success comes from the support structure I have. Without my mom, dad, sister, Hazel, family and friends, I wouldn’t be able to function the way I do because my family help and treat me like a professional athlete. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, they know that I have a goal in mind, and they help me get there. They talk to me and encourage me, and that assists me with being mentally healthy.”

His proud father, Ruben Pillay, said: “If I could describe Myuoor, I’d say he’s a disciplinarian and I think that’s what leads to his success. His tenacity and perseverance are awesome. He motivates us and, in our eyes, he’s perfect.”