History of Taekwondo in India:

In India, the history of taekwondo dates back to the latter half of the 20th century. The sport gained prominence due to its inclusion in international sporting events and the efforts of dedicated practitioners. The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), established in 1976, played a significant role in promoting and regulating the sport within the country.

Over the years, Indian taekwondo athletes have participated in various international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. Their accomplishments have helped raise the profile of taekwondo in India and have inspired aspiring practitioners to take up the sport.

Top Indian Taekwondo Athletes:

1. Latika Bhandari

• Latika Bhandari, currently a prominent figure in Indian Taekwondo, hails from Uttarakhand and is considered the country’s leading practitioner.
• Starting her journey at age ten, she learned the fundamentals of Taekwondo from Surendra Bhandari, an Indian Taekwondo representative.
• Her international success began with a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Championships held in Tashkent.
• Subsequently, she has achieved notable victories:
  • Two gold medals at the South Asian Games in 2016 and 2019.
  • A bronze medal at the Fajr Open in 2019.
  • A silver medal at the Malaysia Open in 2018.
  • Another gold at the Fujairah Open in 2018.
  • Silver medals at both the Commonwealth Championships and the President Cup in 2017.
• Latika Bhandari, supported by the GoSports Foundation, also contributes to the sport by coaching young athletes in addition to her own training pursuits.

2. surendra bhandari

• Surendra Bhandari made history as the first Indian to win a medal in Olympic taekwondo.
• His achievement occurred at the 1998 Asian Games, where he secured a bronze medal.
• This milestone marked a significant moment in Indian taekwondo history.
• Bhandari’s success highlighted his exceptional skills and contributed to the sport’s growth and recognition in India.

3. rodali barua

• Rodali Barua, hailing from the northeastern state of Assam, stands out as a prominent Taekwondo practitioner in India.
• She embarked on her Taekwondo journey during her eighth-grade years, and her dedication has led to remarkable achievements.
• Rodali specializes in the +73kg weight category, representing India consistently on the international stage.
• Her achievements include participating in the World Taekwondo Championships in Korea in June 2017.
• She earned gold medals at the 35th National Senior Kyorugi and the 8th National Senior Pumche Taekwondo Championships, held in Visakhapatnam.
• With her unwavering determination, Rodali Barua continues to serve as an inspirational figure, inspiring others through her journey of success.

4. kashish malik

• Kashish Malik, a standout in Indian Taekwondo at only nineteen years old, is rapidly gaining recognition.
• Her introduction to the sport is marked by a compelling incident: at 14, she courageously confronted and defeated a male friend who was bullying her.
• Her school’s taekwondo coach redirected her determination into the sport, setting the foundation for her remarkable journey.
• Representing India at the 2018 Asian Games, she reached the quarterfinals.
• On the international stage, Kashish has achieved significant milestones, securing medals in events including the Malaysia Open G1 Tournament, the Asian Games Invitation Tournament, the President Cup, the Fujairah Open 2018, and the Israel Open 2018.
• Kashish Malik’s story embodies her determination and potential, positioning her as a rising star in Indian Taekwondo.

5. navjeet mann

• Hailing from Bangalore, Navjeet Mann is a dedicated Taekwondo practitioner.
• He has represented India in various prestigious international events:
  • The Asian Games in 2018.
  • The World Championships in 2017.
  • The Asian Championships in 2016 and 2018.
• Navjeet’s most remarkable accomplishment was his gold medal victory in the 2016 South Asian Games, a standout moment in his career. 

Factors that have contributed to the success of Indian taekwondo athletes include:

1. Increasing Popularity of Taekwondo in India: Over the years, taekwondo has gained traction and popularity in India. As the sport’s visibility and accessibility have grown, more individuals, especially the youth, have been drawn to its dynamic nature and the prospect of representing their country on international platforms.
2. Improved Training Facilities and Coaching Infrastructure: The evolution of taekwondo in India has been accompanied by the development of better training facilities and coaching infrastructure.
3. Government’s Support for Taekwondo: The Indian government’s recognition and support for taekwondo have been instrumental in its growth. Financial assistance, training programs, and exposure to international competitions are some of the ways in which the government has fostered the development of taekwondo talent in the country.
4. Dedication and Hard Work of Athletes: While external factors contribute significantly, the dedication and relentless effort of the athletes themselves are paramount. Indian taekwondo athletes have exhibited a strong work ethic, dedicating themselves to rigorous training regimens, maintaining fitness, and consistently improving their skills.

In synergy, these factors have led to the flourishing success of Indian taekwondo athletes, enabling them to excel, achieve medals, and bring honor to their nation.

The challenges that Indian taekwondo athletes face include:

1. Lack of Funding for the Sport: Securing adequate funding for training, equipment, travel, and participation in international competitions is a persistent struggle for many Indian taekwondo athletes.
2. Lack of International Exposure for Athletes: International exposure is crucial for athletes to gauge their skills against diverse opponents and adapt to varying competition styles. The limited number of international tournaments and exposure opportunities for Indian taekwondo athletes can leave them underprepared.
3. Lack of Infrastructure: Modern training centers, well-equipped gyms, and specialized recovery facilities are essential for honing skills and optimizing athletic performance. The lack of such infrastructure in some regions can hinder athletes’ progress and limit their ability to reach their full potential.

Despite these challenges, Indian taekwondo athletes are making steady progress and are now considered to be among the best in the world. I believe that with continued support and investment, Indian taekwondo athletes will eventually win an Olympic medal.