Arunachal Pradesh athlete Rupa Bayor has qualified to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games after winning a bronze medal at the Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. With the achievement, Rupa created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two consecutive medals at the Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships. Her performance has brought recognition to both the country and Arunachal Pradesh. Rupa, who comes from Sippi village in Arunachal Pradesh, was raised by her widowed mother and spent much of her childhood helping in paddy fields. Her journey from a rural background to the international stage has been widely appreciated as a story of determination and hard work.
She had earlier made history by becoming the first Indian to enter the top ranks of the World Taekwondo Poomsae rankings, reaching World No. 5-6 and Asia No. 1 positions. Expressing happiness over her latest achievement, Rupa thanked those who supported her throughout her journey. “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,” she said in a message. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated Rupa on her success and qualification for the Asian Games.
“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 praised her for becoming the first Indian to secure two consecutive medals at the Asian Championships. “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.
