A ‘ROLLERCOASTER’ week which saw a young karate star’s dream of representing England on the international stage plunged into doubt due to a government mix-up which saw him registered as an asylum seeker - despite being born here - ended in an ‘unbelievable’ triumph against all odds.
Mayon Jayawickrama, whose Sri Lankan parents have been battling for him to be granted British citizenship for a decade, were finally granted their wish on Wednesday following a huge campaign after he received a call-up to the England squad.
However, he faced a race against time to even make it to the European Shotokan Karate-Do Association (ESKA) Championships in Gondomar, Portugal - which started last Friday - after his parents were unsuccessful in securing a passport having rushed to Liverpool on Thursday.
But, following interventions from the nation’s karate leaders and Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis, the 14-year-old - who became the youngest black belt in the country at the age of seven - returned back to the passport office on Friday morning and managed to get on a later flight.
Having joined his teammates that evening - and with little preparation due to the week’s turmoil - Mayon, who lives in Royston, still managed to bag a bronze medal just hours later on Saturday morning in the youth individual kata category.
His mum, Nilu Samarasinghe, told the Chronicle: “It was such a hectic week with many ups and downs so this outcome truly was unbelievable.
“We’ve fought tirelessly for Mayon’s citizenship as it prevented him from having a passport.
“Receiving it at the very last minute, just hours before he flew to Portugal, was such a relief.
“We’re so proud of him and very thankful for the support our family’s received.”
At the tender age of just four, Mayon started taking part in karate and began entering competitions just two years later.
Usually children don’t start taking part in the sport until they are about seven, but an exception was made for Mayon who began to show talent at a young age.
He has secured a number of titles since - including being the current national kumite champion for under-13s - and saw the call-up to the national squad as a ‘huge honour’ after more than a decade of practising the martial art.
A spokesperson from the Karate Union of Great Britain added: “We were absolutely thrilled that Mayon received his passport and was able to fly to Portugal.
“This dream would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and support of so many incredible people including Dan, the media and the officials at the HM Passport Office, especially the urgent and compassionate team for their understanding and swift action.
“Everyone in the karate community and beyond who shared his story, reached out to help, and kept the positive energy flowing deserve thanks.
“This was a true team effort, and it has shown the power of community, compassion and perseverance.”
