From the Taekwondo Mat to Endurance Challenges: Pune’s Yash Gullapelli Wins International Silver in Nepal
Pune, 11th November 2026: At an age when most youngsters are balancing academics with hobbies, Pune’s Yash Gullapelli is steadily building a sporting journey that combines discipline, determination and a passion for pushing boundaries. The young Taekwondo athlete recently brought international recognition to the city by winning a silver medal at the 1st Sauraha Open International Taekwondo Championship in Nepal.
Yash secured the podium finish in the Individual Poomsae category at the championship, held in Sauraha, Chitwan, from October 30 to November 1, 2026. His performance stood out at the international competition, which witnessed participation from nine countries, including India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and host nation Nepal.
Athletes from three provinces of Nepal — Karnali, Madhesh and Bagmati — also participated in the championship, making it a competitive platform for young martial artists.
For Yash, the silver medal represents more than just an international sporting achievement. It reflects the hours of training, commitment and preparation that go into competing at a higher level.
A Grade IX student at EuroSchool Undri, Pune, Yash trains under Grand Master Chandrakant Bhosale, GTTF India Head, at Bhosale’s Taekwondo and Fitness Academy in Pune. Under his guidance, Yash has been developing his technical abilities, discipline and competitive temperament.
A passion that goes beyond Taekwondo
What makes Yash’s sporting journey particularly interesting is his enthusiasm for endurance sports alongside martial arts.
He has participated in several competitive 10-kilometre running events and completed the challenging 21.1-kilometre Sinhagad Half Marathon. He has also undertaken a 100-kilometre endurance cycling ride, demonstrating his willingness to take on physically demanding challenges beyond the Taekwondo arena.
Balancing martial arts training with running and cycling requires considerable physical conditioning, consistency and time management. These experiences also contribute to developing stamina, mental resilience and the ability to remain focused under pressure — qualities that are equally important in competitive Taekwondo.
A milestone in a promising sporting journey
Yash’s silver medal in Nepal marks an important milestone in his sporting career and adds to Pune’s growing presence in competitive martial arts.
For his family, school and coach, the achievement is a moment of pride. More importantly, the international exposure is expected to provide the young athlete with valuable experience as he continues to pursue higher-level competitions.
