Making the state and nation proud, Rupa Bayor, a young martial artist from Arunachal Pradesh, has been honored with the ‘Best Female Athlete’ award at the prestigious IT Taekwondo Gala Awards 2025, held in New Delhi this past weekend. This recognition not only marks a major milestone in Bayor’s promising career but also highlights the rising prominence of North East India in the national martial arts scene.
Bayor, who hails from the scenic town of Rupa in West Kameng district, has been a consistent performer on both national and international platforms in recent years. Her victory at this elite gathering of the country’s top Taekwondo talent is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and indomitable spirit.
Rising Star in Indian Taekwondo
Rupa Bayor began her journey in Taekwondo as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks with her agility, strength, and strategic finesse. In 2024 alone, she bagged multiple gold medals in national-level championships and also represented India in several Asian Taekwondo events, earning praise from senior coaches and sports authorities alike.
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Her consistent medal-winning performance across all categories — including Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) — placed her firmly in the spotlight, eventually leading to her selection for this year’s IT Taekwondo Gala Awards, a ceremony dedicated to recognizing India’s finest martial artists.
“It’s an honor to receive this award. I dedicate it to my coaches, family, and the people of Arunachal who have supported me throughout,” said an emotional Rupa Bayor during her acceptance speech.
Recognition for Arunachal’s Sporting Spirit
Bayor’s achievement has sparked celebrations across Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended his heartfelt congratulations via social media, calling her a “shining example of Arunachal’s talent and perseverance.”
Sports officials in the state have lauded her performance as a beacon for other young athletes, especially girls, who are increasingly taking up martial arts and other competitive sports. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in Arunachal has announced a special felicitation program to honor Rupa Bayor’s contribution to the state’s sporting legacy.
“Her success proves that athletes from remote regions can shine on national platforms with the right guidance and determination,” said an official from the Arunachal Pradesh Taekwondo Association.
Training, Challenges, and Triumphs
Rupa’s journey hasn’t been without struggles. Hailing from a modest background, she had to manage training expenses, academic pressure, and limited access to world-class facilities. However, with the support of her family, local coaches, and state sports grants, she overcame each hurdle.
She trains under a national-level coach in Itanagar and frequently attends camps in Guwahati and New Delhi. Her training regime includes high-intensity drills, diet control, and mental conditioning — all essential in mastering Taekwondo at the competitive level.
“It’s not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle,” said Rupa in an earlier interview. “Discipline and patience are everything in martial arts.”
A Role Model for the Youth
With this award, Rupa Bayor becomes a role model for aspiring athletes across the Northeast. Her success story reflects the untapped potential of tribal and rural youth in India who, when given the right platform, can compete at the highest levels.
She now has her sights set on the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and is also aiming for a place in the Indian contingent for the 2026 World Taekwondo Championships.
Rupa Bayor’s victory at the IT Taekwondo Gala Awards 2025 is more than just a personal achievement — it’s a symbol of Arunachal Pradesh’s growing presence in India’s sports arena. As the young champion continues her journey, she carries with her the hopes of a region eager to make its mark on the global stage.
With resilience, talent, and state support, Rupa Bayor is on her way to becoming a true icon in Indian martial arts.
