In a country where sports are often synonymous with cricket and football, Rupa Bayor’s extraordinary journey is redefining the landscape of Indian athletics. This 23-year-old Taekwondo sensation has single-handedly put India on the global martial arts map, becoming the nation’s first athlete to shatter the glass ceiling of the top 10 World Poomsae rankings. Currently ranked No. 9 by World Taekwondo, her remarkable ascent is a testament to her unyielding passion, unwavering dedication and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. With every kick, punch and victory, she is boldly scripting a new chapter in Indian sports history, inspiring generations to come.
Bayor’s introduction to martial arts began with karate, which she practiced with her uncle, a karate master. “I began karate with my uncle, who was a master in the sport. He saw my potential and recommended that I take up Taekwondo, as it is an Olympic sport,” recalls Rupa. She started Taekwondo in 2015 but only began competing at a professional level in 2021.
Her journey was not without its challenges, as she had to balance her sports career with family responsibilities. “There were times I had to put my game aside and go help my mom. I used to somehow manage, taking leaves from my training to help with our family’s Kheti-baadi. We had to work and also look into my professional life and manage my time,” shares the Taekwondo champion. Despite these challenges, she proudly adds, “We didn’t have an option but to face these challenges. Because of this, there were times I wasn’t able to concentrate properly.”
Her family has been supportive of her Taekwondo career, but financial constraints made it difficult for her to pursue her dreams. That’s when the Welspun programme stepped in, providing her with the necessary financial support. Expressing her gratitude, she says, “If this programme wouldn’t have been there, I wouldn’t have been able to play Taekwondo. This programme has been helping women so well… I’m thankful to Welspun Sports for helping me throughout. Giving the opportunity to my talent at the right time, I’m grateful to them.” Wellspun Super Sports Women is a programme focused on empowering female athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative helps them pursue their sporting dreams and aims to foster change-makers within their communities.
Since associating with Welspun in 2021, she has made significant progress in her Taekwondo career. She credits the programme for her success, stating, “It’s that support that has helped me throughout… Training and all of it is all secondary. If you don’t have financial support, then things don’t get easy. I got immense support.”
Her approach to Taekwondo is straightforward – hard work and practice are key to success. She believes, “I don’t believe in any sort of strategies. I believe that the amount of strength and practice it all leads to the end result in the championship. Mentally, it’s just not before the championship but the years of training. It is the strength that leads you to where you shall be.” Going ahead, she also emphasises the importance of focusing on one’s strengths and weaknesses, saying, “Every player has their own strength and weaknesses in their skills and I make sure that I do not let my opponent know my weaknesses.”
Her achievements in Taekwondo have earned her recognition, including being the first Indian Taekwondo athlete to achieve a significant milestone. She humbly acknowledges the appreciation, saying, “I feel so grateful when such appreciations come in and I feel to do more big and better.” Her goal is to reach the top three in the world rankings and she credits her coach for her progress. “My journey is still going. I wish I could do what I’ve wished for. I credit all of it to my coach for reaching where I am today.”
As she prepares for the upcoming World Championship, she is focused on her training. When asked about her advice to aspiring athletes, she shares, “Be it in sports or other fields, whatever you like, be it small or big, if you keep your thinking professional, then don’t make any excuse. Problems will come but don’t take that as an excuse… Joh bhi karro acha karro (Whatever you do, do it well).”
Rupa Bayor’s remarkable journey is a shining testament to her unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion and unshakeable perseverance. As India’s top-ranked Taekwondo athlete, she has not only made a name for herself in the sport but has also paved the way for future generations of Indian athletes.
With her sights set on the top three world rankings, Rupa continues to inspire and motivate others with her remarkable story. As she prepares to take on the world’s best at the upcoming World Championship, one thing is certain – Rupa Bayor is a force to be reckoned with, and her legacy will continue to inspire and empower aspiring athletes for years to come.
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