Josephian rising star Nethan sparkles in Karate
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Shaveen Nethan Angelo Pathirana, a young and multi-talented martial artist, is making remarkable strides in the karate arena. He is a Grade 8 student of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo. Nethan embarked his karate journey in 2018. With years of dedication and rigorous training, he has emerged as a promising talent in both national and international karate tournaments.
Nethan began his training at Wickramagalle Sports Academy in Kandana and is currently under the guidance of three highly respected coaches – Shehan Nilantha Wickramagalle, Sensei Rusiru Thanuka Wickramagalle and Shehan Sisira Kumara. Wickramagalle is a black belt 8th Dan and SLKF 7th Dan while Sensei Wickramagalle is a black belt 5th Dan and NSKF 3rd Dan. Kumara is the Honorary President of Sri Lanka Karate Federation (SLKF) and Chief Instructor of IKGA.
In 2023, Nethan joined the St. Joseph’s karate team and trained Kumara. Since then, he has consistently made outstanding performances in the competitions, by participating in the Under-12 category in 2024 and 2025.
Locally Nethan has demonstrated skills by excelling in several prestigious tournaments such as All-Island National Shotokan Karate Championship 2024, was placed first at the Western Province Championship 2024, secured the third place at the Gampaha District Championship 2024 and Chikubukai Open International Karate Championship 2024, all in kumite.
Last year Nethan was placed first in kumite and third in kata at the 1st Japan Karate UNSU Association Open Championship, as well as the first place in kumite and third in kata at the 4th Japan Karate Toryukai Championship. He was placed first in both kumite and kata at the 9th Open Karate Championship 2024 and was placed first in kumite and third in kata at the Koushikai Open Karate Championship 2024. At the Gaman Shotokan Open Karate Championship 2024, he was placed second in kata.
With his impressive track record and unwavering commitment, discipline, dedication and resilience, Nethan is set to achieve even greater heights in karate in the years to come.