Arunachal: Rupa Bayor, a 23-year-old Taekwondo player from Arunachal Pradesh, has carved her place in Indian sports history as the first athlete from the country to enter the top 10 of the World Poomsae Rankings. Achieving this milestone in October last year, Bayor has emerged as a trailblazer for Indian Taekwondo on the global stage.
Bayor’s historic journey includes clinching a gold medal at the national team trials for the 8th Asian Taekwondo Championships in 2022, where she earned India’s first-ever medal in the competition. Reflecting on her remarkable rise, Bayor expressed gratitude to her support system, particularly her family, coach, and the Welspun Super Sports Women’s Program, which provided financial backing during critical moments of her career.
“It was not my effort alone, and it was not easy,” Bayor told reporters. “My coaches and family played a big role, especially Welspun, which supported me financially even before I won medals.”
Bayor’s Taekwondo journey began in 2015 when her uncle, a karate master, encouraged her to pursue the sport for its Olympic recognition and potential for government support. Initially unfamiliar with Taekwondo, she quickly embraced it and turned professional in 2021. Her dedication and talent soon paid off, earning her international accolades, including a silver medal at the Asian Open in Indonesia.
Despite her success, Bayor emphasized the significant challenges faced by Indian Taekwondo players. Limited funding, lack of sponsorships, and insufficient government support remain pressing issues.
“Taekwondo is an Olympic sport, but we are lagging behind,” she said. “Our federation struggles due to insufficient funds, and players often have to cover their own expenses for tournaments. Proper sponsorships, uniforms, and pride in representing the country are essential. The government needs to focus on our sport.”
Bayor’s achievements have brought renewed attention to the potential of Indian athletes in Taekwondo. However, she believes structural changes and greater investment are needed to elevate the sport to new heights in the country.
Looking to the future, Bayor has set ambitious goals for 2026, which will feature major events like the Asian Championships, World Championships, and Asian Games. “I know I have areas to improve, and I’m focused on training harder,” she said. “These events are key for me to qualify for the Asian Games and Olympics.”
Bayor’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and a reminder of the untapped potential within Indian sports. With the right support, her journey could pave the way for a brighter future for Taekwondo in India.
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