A MARTIAL ARTS club in Newham is gunning for double success at the British Asian Sports Awards next month. Gurumu Taekwondo have coach Sivakumar Renganathan nominated for the Coach of the Year award, while rising star Viroshan Gnanapandithan is up for the

A MARTIAL ARTS club in Newham is gunning for double success at the British Asian Sports Awards next month.

Gurumu Taekwondo have coach Sivakumar Renganathan nominated for the Coach of the Year award, while rising star Viroshan Gnanapandithan is up for the Young Sports Personality of the Year.

The Manor Park club's success has been propelled by their coaching staff, with Renganathan the driving force.

The 30-year-old has calibre in the sport as the former national champion was a seeded combatant for Team GB.

Inspired by the instructors who helped him craft his fighting style, the IT consultant wanted to pass on his knowledge to budding martial artists.

"I am extremely committed in not only developing sincere martial artists and successful fighters, but also to use Taekwondo to enhance an individual's personal development," he said.

"I believe that I am providing more than just martial arts training, but the skills necessary to develop an individual, both in their personal and professional life."

Renganathan believes winning the award would give the community a welcome boost ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

"It will certainly bring a lot of awareness to Taekwondo and most important it will increase the participation in sport within the Asian community," said the award nominee.

"With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching this will certainly boost young, talented individuals within the community, as I hope they believe they have a talented coach and a successful club on their doorstep."

Gnanapandithan, one of Renganathan's prodigies, has his sights set on big things, as he continues to rise to prominence.

The 10-year-old is targeting gold at this year's National Championships, to be held in Manchester at the end of the month.

With one eye on the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, Gnanapandithan hopes winning this accolade will be the start of things to come.

"This will mean a lot to me as this is the UK's biggest sports Awards for British Asians," he said.

"It will encourage my team mates to achieve their goals.

"I want to inspire more Asian children to get involved in Taekwondo."

All nominees will be judged by a panel of experts including, former England cricketer, Mark Ramprakash and Olympic gold medal winner, Denise Lewis.

Once the lucky few have been selected by the judges it is then down to the public to decide who will be crowned winner for each category.

The shortlisted finalists will attend the prestigious awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Saturday, February 6.

For more information about the club call Gurumu Taekwondo on 07931 709140.