Ladakh, Nov 29 (KNO): Rinchen Youdol, a para-athlete from Bodhkharboo, Kargil, UT Ladakh, has etched her name in the history by winning the Bronze Medal at the 1st World Para Poomsae Taekwondo Championships in Bahrain.
Competing in the Senior Female (No Age Bar) category against 140 athletes from 23 countries, Rinchen has become the first athlete from Ladakh to achieve such an international milestone in Taekwondo.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the championship, hosted under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, showcased world-class para-athletes from across five continents.
Rinchen’s exceptional performance, competing against seasoned athletes like Janine Watson from Australia and Eleni Nestora from Greece, highlights her dedication, skill, and perseverance.
This historic achievement has garnered widespread praise from the region and across the nation.
The President of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association, Gulzar Hussain Munshi, expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders who contributed to Rinchen's success.
“The support from the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier Dr. BD Mishra (Retd.), Chairman/CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Secretary of Sports UT Ladakh Vikram Singh Malik, and Director of Sports Tahir Hussain Zubdavi has been invaluable," said Munshi. “Special recognition is also due to her coaches, Mohd Ali and Zaheer Abass, and the Cerebral Palsy Association of Ladakh, led by Syed Mehraj ud Din Shah and Ghulam Mustafa. Madam Lahmo from DYSSO Kargil also played a key role in escorting Rinchen to Bahrain."
Rinchen’s parents were also lauded for their unwavering encouragement and support, which were crucial to her journey, despite the challenges posed by her special abilities.
Reflecting on her monumental achievement, Rinchen dedicated her victory to the people of Ladakh, stating, "Winning this medal on a global stage is a dream come true. I hope my achievement inspires others to overcome challenges and pursue their passions."
Her success has become a beacon of hope for athletes from Ladakh, symbolizing the untapped potential of the region. The Ladakh Taekwondo Association, along with officials and supporters, celebrated this historic moment, recognizing Rinchen as a trailblazer who has put Ladakh on the world sporting map.
In recognition of Rinchen’s triumph, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh tweeted: "I congratulate Rinchen Youdol for bringing laurels to Ladakh by winning the bronze medal at the 1st World Para Poomsae Taekwondo Championship held in Bahrain. A role model, Youdol’s success will inspire many more Ladakhi youth to take up sports and put Ladakh on the sporting map of India."
Rinchen’s remarkable victory is a testament to the power of determination, support, and a resilient spirit, inspiring future generations of athletes from Ladakh and beyond—(KNO)