Pune: In a proud moment for Indian martial arts, a team of eight young Taekwondo athletes from Pune has returned victorious from the 18th World Taekwondo Cultural Expo 2025 held in South Korea, clinching an impressive 16 medals – including 4 gold, 10 silver, and 2 bronze.
Representing R B Horangee Taekwondo Academy and St Felix High School, the athletes showcased exemplary skills in both Poomsae (forms) and Kyorugi (sparring) categories.
The team trained under the expert mentorship of Master Ravindra Bhandari, a highly respected name in Indian Taekwondo.
Also Read: Abler Sports and Entertainment Debuts as IP-Driven Powerhouse in Global Sports and Media
Taekwondo Team Winners
Notable winners include Ayushi Bhandari, Zoya Khan, Harsh Nikam, and Valmikee Chaurasiya, each bagging one gold and one silver medal. Samiksha Sable and Pawan Nanavare earned two silver medals each, while Swaliha Khan and Anoushka Chinnayya added a silver and bronze to the tally, respectively.
Beyond the competition, the team engaged in elite training programs at Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, and the dojang of Grandmaster Don Oh Choi, President of the World Hapkido and World Kumdo Martial Arts Federations.
They were awarded official participation certificates, black belts, and gold medals recognizing their talent and dedication.
They also received advanced-level instruction and certifications from renowned global Taekwondo masters: Grandmaster Shin (9th Dan, Chung-Do Kwan), Grandmaster Hyungnam Kwon (Poomsae expert), and Olympic gold medalist Grandmaster Moon Dae-Sung.
Also Read: Absolute Sports Acquires TJRWrestling and ITRWrestling
Upon their return, the champions were felicitated by the management of St. Felix High School, including Provincial Superior Sister Ursula Pinto, Sister Jennifer Pereira, and Principal Leena Paul, who commended their discipline, determination, and contribution to enhancing India’s standing in global circuits.
This achievement underscores Pune’s growing reputation as a nurturing ground for world-class martial arts talent and highlights the powerful role of structured mentorship in shaping future champions.
