Sookdeo looks to sharpen CAC prep

Trinidad and Tobago karateka Shiva Sookdeo has secured a spot in the Men's +84kg category at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, overcoming an initial setback at the qualification tournament in the Dominican Republic. Sookdeo finished eighth, just outside the automatic qualifying positions, but a subsequent withdrawal by another athlete, combined with the host country's automatic berth, moved him into contention.

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I am the first male to qualify for CAC Games in the sport of karate in 2010. Prior to 2010, we had athletes participate in Games but at that time we didn’t have a qualification process. It changed thereafter.

This qualification carries significant historical weight for Sookdeo, as he becomes the first male to qualify for the CAC Games in karate since 2010, when the qualification process was established. The last individual karate medal for Trinidad and Tobago at the CAC Games was a silver won by Kwame Kinsale in 2010. Sookdeo now has the opportunity to add to this legacy.

To prepare for the August 6-7 competition, Sookdeo plans to seek international exposure. He is considering competing in the World Karate Federation Series A in Guadalajara, Mexico, and attending training camps in locations such as the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Cuba. The goal is to face high-level opponents to sharpen his skills before the Games.

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I want to honour my mother. She passed away March 12 a month before the qualifier. My goal is to make the podium at the Games in honour of her as well as (for) athletes that paved the way before me.

Beyond the athletic ambition, Sookdeo is driven by a personal mission to honor his late mother, Radhica Sookdeo-Hicks, who passed away shortly before the qualifier. He aims to reach the podium at the Games in her memory, as well as to acknowledge the athletes who paved the way for him. He hopes to leave a positive impact and establish Trinidad and Tobago as a formidable force in the sport.

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These athletes would have set a platform for me to stand on and I want to leave a positive impact in the Games by securing a medal, bringing pride to T&T, recognition to the sport that we are a force to be reckoned