I am proud to have won a historic medal at the Asian Taekwondo Championships held in Vietnam,” said Rupa Bayor, expressing her joy after securing a bronze medal that has significantly boosted her confidence. “I am very happy that the dream of winning a medal for the country at the international level has come true.”
India Taekwondo President Namdev Shirgaonkar and coach Abhishek Dubey played pivotal roles in guiding her to this achievement. “Their support and guidance were crucial in helping me reach the medal mark,” added Rupa, attributing her success to the federation’s support. She earned her bronze in the individual poomsae group event, while Rudali Barua clinched a bronze in the 73 kg weight category in the Kyorugi event.
Rupa, a young athlete from Arunachal Pradesh, excelled in the highly competitive Poomsae category. She demonstrated the potential to shine at the recent Asian Games, where India could have secured a historic medal with the help of the Indian Olympic Association’s support.
Indian athletes also won silver in the team category at the Asian Games, marking the first time in ten years that India has achieved such success in this tournament. The team, comprising Sita, Harsha Singha, and Usha Dhamanskar, eclipsed Rupa Bayor’s individual performance by winning a silver medal in the poomsae category, demonstrating their exceptional skills and teamwork.
Rudali Barua’s bronze in the 73 kg Kyorugi event adds to India’s growing list of achievements in Taekwondo. This category had last seen an Indian medalist ten years ago when Latika Bhandari won a bronze.
The medals won by Rupa and Rudali are also contested in the Asian Games, highlighting their outstanding performance and inspiring other young athletes.
Namdev Shirgaonkar, President of India Taekwondo, emphasized the significance of these achievements. “The players of the Indian team have achieved this historic medal through tireless hard work. Rupa’s bronze medal inspires all, and Rudali’s medal is a source of pride and hope. Indian players had prepared thoroughly for this tournament, and this medal is a matter of pride for all,” he stated.
