Published: 28 November, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

UP-and-coming fighter Sanan Aliyev is fast becoming a big hit at the Veras Karate Academy.

The quick-handed 23-year-old, pictured (above) with his Sensei Raphael Veras, made his club-mates proud when he won a bronze medal at the Belgium International Championships.

Sanan beat opponents from Romania, Iran and the host country on his way to finishing third in the under 67kg weight category.

The bronze gong continues Sanan’s run of success following his convincing victory at the Basel Masters Open last month.

Belgium is proving a happy hunting ground for local fighters.

Islington’s Jack Ward also won a bronze at the championships in Leuven after being named in a strong squad from the Ken-Bu-Kan Karate School.

The medal was especially sweet for the 10-year-old as it was his first time competing abroad.