In a momentous achievement for Bharat, Rodali Barua from Assam secured a bronze medal at the Asian Taekwondo Championships, bringing an end to the country’s 10-year wait for a medal at this esteemed event.
Barua’s remarkable performance in the women’s 73-kilogram category not only highlighted her exceptional talent and dedication but also marked a significant milestone for Indian Taekwondo, making her the first Indian to earn a medal in Kyorugi at the Asian Championships.
Assam’s Education Minister Ranoj Pegu extended congratulations on X, celebrating Barua’s achievement as a proud moment for 1.4 billion Indians. “Assam’s daughter Rodali Barua ends the nation’s 10-year medal drought at Asian Taekwondo Championships by clinching a bronze medal in the Women’s 73 kg category,” he wrote.
Barua’s journey to the bronze medal was marked by a series of intense matches. She secured a hard-fought victory over Uzbekistan’s Iroda Mirtadjieva in the quarter-finals and then faced a challenging semi-final against China’s top-seeded Xu Lei. Despite the tough competition, Barua’s determination and skill saw her through to the podium.
This latest success adds to Barua’s impressive track record, which includes gold medals at the India Open, President’s Cup Asia, and El Hassan Open. Her consistent performance underscores her status as a formidable competitor in the sport.
Additionally, Rupa Bayor’s historic bronze medal in Poomsae further highlights Bharat’s growing presence in Taekwondo. While Poomsae is not an Olympic discipline, Bayor’s achievement displays Bharat’s proficiency across different aspects of Taekwondo.