Itanagar, April 3:

In a landmark achievement for Indian sports, Arunachal Pradesh’s Rupa Bayor has become the first Indian athlete to attain World Taekwondo (WT) World Ranking No. 5, marking a significant milestone in the country’s taekwondo journey.

Earlier this year, Bayor had already scripted history by becoming the first Indian taekwondo athlete to achieve World Rank No. 6 and Asia Rank No. 1 in recognised poomsae rankings, underlining her rapid rise on the global stage.

Hailing from Sippi village in Arunachal Pradesh, her journey from entering the world rankings at No. 123 in 2021 to breaking into the elite top 5 reflects exceptional grit, discipline, and consistency. Training at the Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai under coach Abhishek Dubey, Bayor has delivered multiple medal-winning performances at international events.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated her on the historic feat, calling it a proud moment for the nation and a testament to her relentless hard work and dedication.

Bayor’s achievement not only strengthens India’s presence in global taekwondo but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes, especially from remote regions, to dream big and excel on the international stage.