Local Sports Star: Middleton Grange’s Vansh Maini takes out first and second places in state karate tournaments

Vansh Maini’s dream is to combine his love for space with his passion for karate.

Vansh Maini began training in karate when he was three years old. Picture: Carmela Roche

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Vansh Maini’s dream is to combine his love for space with his passion for karate.

It’s why the six-year-old from Middleton Grange wants to become a ‘black belt astronaut’ when he grows up.

Vansh has trained at IMC Liverpool Martial Arts Centre since the age of three.

“I just took him there and he actually fell in love with the sport and since then there’s no looking back,” said mum Drishti Maini.

The Thomas Hassall Anglican College student trains every day and has also taken on swimming, basketball and football.

But his ultimate love is still karate.

Vansh wants to be a black belt astronaut when he grows up. Picture: Carmela Roche

“You have to be confident and it teaches me to be intelligent,” Vansh said.

Once a shy boy, karate has brought Vansh out of his shell.

He has since placed first and second a number of times in the International Sports Karate Association NSW Open and Sydney Open tournaments.

He is also only too happy to help out his fellow students.

Vansh has been nominated for the Local Sports Star award in the Young Sporting Spirit category. Nominate someone at localsportsstars.com.au.