Young Taekwondo Prodigy from Jammu and Kashmir Achieves Black Belt at Eight
A Remarkable Achievement
Gurnoor Kaur, an eight-year-old, has made headlines by becoming the youngest holder of a Taekwondo black belt in the Jammu and Kashmir region, marking a significant milestone in her athletic journey.
Joy and Ambition
Expressing her excitement about this accomplishment, Gurnoor shared her happiness and attributed her success to four years of dedicated practice. "I am thrilled with this achievement... I have been training for four years... My goal is to become a national player and win a gold medal for my country," she stated.
Coach's Praise
Her coach, Zaira Bukhari, praised Gurnoor's achievement as a source of pride for both the district and the entire Union Territory. She emphasized Gurnoor's discipline and hard work, calling her an inspiration for other young girls. "This is a proud moment for our district and the whole Union Territory. Gurnoor has worked diligently for four years, and she serves as a role model for other girls," Bukhari remarked.
Bukhari also expressed optimism about Gurnoor's future, stating that with her continued dedication, she has the potential to represent India on an international stage. "At this rate, she will undoubtedly become an international player and represent India globally one day," he added.
Support for Taekwondo Athletes
In a significant move to enhance India's combat sports capabilities, the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved tailored international exposure and coaching for Taekwondo and Karate athletes in preparation for the Asian Games 2026.
Rodali Barua has been selected for participation in five international competitions, including the Bulgaria Open 2026, Slovenia Open 2026, Dutch Open 2026, and Oceania Championships 2026, all recognized as G2 level events by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). Additionally, she is set to compete in the fourth Mount Everest International Open Taekwondo Championship in Nepal, 2026, a G1-level tournament.
The Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) has proposed a financial allocation of Rs 21.20 Lakh for these events, which are scheduled for February and March. Barua is a bronze medalist from the President's Cup in the Oceania Region, held in Gold Coast in 2025.