Finally, after years of waiting and watching, now we are witnessing an Indian Taekwondo player, making it through the ranks. Rupa Bayor becomes the first Indian taekwondo athlete to break into the Top 10 Poomsae Rankings. The 23-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh now holds the impressive No. 9 spot according to World Taekwondo. With rising ranks in the sport, her ultimate goal is to bring home India’s first gold medal in taekwondo on the biggest stages, including the Asian Games and potentially the Olympics.
Who is Rupa Bayor?
Rupa Bayor hails from the small village of Sippi in the Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Born in a family facing hardships, Bayor lost her father when she was just a toddler, leaving her mother to care for five children. Growing up in challenging conditions, Bayor assisted her mother in the paddy fields, helping to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, she remained a fearless, determined child, traits that would later fuel her athletic career.
Bayor’s introduction to martial arts came through her maternal uncle, a karate master, who identified her spirit and introduced her to the world of combat sports. In 2015, she began her training under his guidance, transforming her natural aggression into focused athleticism. Her journey from a combative young girl to a disciplined athlete is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.
Rapid Rise in Taekwondo
In 2021, Bayor’s professional journey took a turn when she began training at the Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai under coach Abhishek Dubey. Her relentless work ethic and determination soon paid off, as she started earning recognition on the international stage. She clinched her first international medal in Croatia in 2022, marking the beginning of her rise to prominence.
Bayor’s ascent in the world rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, she was ranked No. 123 in the World Taekwondo Poomsae Rankings. By 2022, she had climbed to the 42nd spot, and in 2023, she reached No. 12. Finally, in 2024, she made history by breaking into the Top 10, securing the No. 9 position. This achievement made her the first Indian athlete to reach such heights in the Poomsae rankings, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Indian taekwondo.
Career highlights and achievements
Bayor’s accomplishments on the global stage have been impressive. She won a bronze medal at the 8th Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Danang, Vietnam, in April 2024, followed by a silver medal at the Australian Open 2024 in the Under-30 female category. These achievements reflect her growing stature in the sport and her ability to compete with the world’s best.
Despite facing setbacks, including being unable to participate in the 2022 Asian Games due to visa issues, Bayor remains undeterred. Her determination to represent India on the international stage and bring home prestigious medals drives her forward. With her sights set on the next Asian Games in Japan, Bayor is determined to win a historic gold medal for India.
Looking ahead to the glory
Rupa Bayor’s rise in the Poomsae rankings will surely help her in achieving more international success, and continue to inspire young athletes, especially from India’s northeastern region. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, proving that no adversity is too great to overcome.
