Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 20 May: Arunachal’s Rupa Bayor has qualified to represent India at the Asian Games after winning a bronze medal at the Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
With this achievement, she became the first Indian to win two consecutive medals at the Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, marking a proud moment for the nation and especially for Arunachal Pradesh.
Hailing from a humble background in Sippi village, Rupa was raised by her widowed mother and spent her early years working in paddy fields. Her rise to international prominence reflects exceptional dedication, hard work, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Earlier, she had already created history by becoming the first Indian to break into the top ranks of the World Taekwondopoomsae rankings, achieving World No. 5-6 and Asia No. 1 rankings.
“Dear people of Arunachal Pradesh, today I am very happy to become a back-to-back Asian medalist. I would like to thank Chief Minister Pema Khandu, my uncle Tania Soki, who believed in me, supported and helped me throughout, my coach Abishek Sir, and the All India Taekwondo president for giving me this opportunity,” said Rupa Bayor in her message.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Rupa on her remarkable achievement.
“Heartiest congratulations to Miss Rupa Bayor on qualifying to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games and on winning a bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships,” the Chief Minister said.
He also congratulated her for becoming the first Indian to secure two consecutive medals at the Asian Championships and for bringing pride to the state.
“Your qualification for the Asian Games reflects your exceptional hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Wishing you greater success, strength, and glory in the upcoming Asian Games,” Khandu added.
