Pune Taekwondo Athletes Win 16 Medals at World Championship in South Korea
Pune, 23rd July 2025: Eight students from Pune made the city proud with an impressive performance at the 18th World Taekwondo Cultural Expo 2025, held in South Korea. The contingent, representing R.B. Horangee Taekwondo Academy and St. Felix High School, secured a total of 16 medals, comprising 4 gold, 10 silver, and 2 bronze. The athletes were trained under the mentorship of Master Ravindra Bhandari.
Among the top performers were Ayushi Bhandari, Zoya Khan, Harsh Nikam, and Valmikee Chaurasiya, each clinching one gold and one silver medal across the Poomsae and Kyorugi (sparring) events. Samiksha Sable and Pawan Nanavare picked up two silver medals each, while Swaliha Khan and Anoushka Chinnayya earned a silver and a bronze medal, respectively, in their categories.
As part of the global event, the team visited Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, where they received official participation certificates. The athletes also trained at the dojang of Grandmaster Don Oh Choi, President of the World Hapkido and World Kumdo Martial Arts Federations, where they were awarded black belt certificates and gold medals in recognition of their dedication.
Additional high-level training was conducted by Grandmaster Shin of Korea (9th Dan, Chung-Do Kwan), Grandmaster Hyungnam Kwon (9th Dan, Poomsae expert), and Olympic gold medalist Grandmaster Moon Dae-Sung. The players received personal instruction and international certifications from each of these Taekwondo legends. Archana Chinnayya accompanied the team as a supporting parent throughout the international tour.
Upon their return, the team was felicitated by St. Felix School’s management, including Provincial Superior Sister Ursula Pinto, Provincial Sister Jennifer Pereira, School Manager Sister Rosemary Almeida, Principal Mrs. Leena Paul, Supervisor Sister Elsa, and Bela D’Silva, who praised the students for their discipline, determination, and representing Pune and India with pride.
The achievement not only marked a significant medal tally but also reflected the growing international stature of Pune’s martial arts talent. Master Ravindra Bhandari’s guidance and leadership were widely acknowledged as key to the team’s global success.
