Bronze for 'Karate Kid' after citizenship fiasco

Mayon, 14, (second from right) has won bronze after being granted British citizenship

A 14-year-old boy has won a bronze medal in a European karate championship - after a citizenship application threatened his plans to compete.

Barnsley black belt Mayon was selected to represent England in the European Shotokan Karate-do Association European Championships.

Despite being born in the UK, he was registered as an asylum seeker and had been waiting four years since his parents applied for his British citizenship.

Just three days before the start of the tournament, his application was approved, enabling him to get a passport and travel to Portugal for the competition.

Mayon was able to get a passport after he was granted British citizenship

Mayon's parents, who are from Sri Lanka, have been living in the UK for more than 20 years as asylum seekers.

They applied for Mayon's citizenship in 2020.

Mayon was inspired by his mother Nilupuli Samarasinghe, who is also a black belt and who he watched train from the age of three.

He said the family were "all running about" after finding out the Home Office's decision.

"We've worked so hard for it, you don't understand how much it means to our family," he said.

"I was over the moon, that's all I've wanted, I've been dreaming about it every night."

Before leaving for the competition, he said: "All I want is to go to Portugal and win for my country."

His instructor at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club, Ryan Tucker, said members were "really proud" of Mayon's performance.

He said two other students at the club also competed, so all three would come back to a "fantastic reception".

"Mayon has a really good attitude and he's a fighter," he said.

"I'm sure as soon as he's back, he'll be back in the dojo, working hard for the next one."

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