Pune Schools Clinch Top Honors at National Taekwondo Championship
In a spectacular display of skill and determination, students from R B Horangee and St Felix High School in Pune dominated the 4th Open National Taekwondo Championship, securing an impressive combined total of 90 medals. The young athletes claimed 35 gold, 40 silver, and 15 bronze medals, finishing first overall in the highly competitive tournament.
Versatility Across Multiple Disciplines
The championship showcased the depth and versatility of the participants, with events spanning various taekwondo disciplines. Competitors demonstrated their prowess in:
- Kyorugi (sparring)
- Poomsae (forms)
- Speed kick and speed punch competitions
- Jump kick breaking
- Self-defence demonstrations
- Hapkido techniques
This comprehensive approach to martial arts training contributed significantly to the schools' remarkable medal tally.
National Participation and Distinguished Attendees
The national-level championship attracted over 1,300 participants from across India, including athletes from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The event drew considerable attention from local dignitaries and community leaders.
Newly elected corporator Yogesh Mulik attended alongside Narayan Galande, Shweta Galande, Kavita Galande, social worker Maruti Galande, Mahendra Garande, Sandip Jarad, Pramod Nimhan, Vinayak Nimhan, Shantanu Galande, Vilas Galande, Eknath Bhandari, Tirupati Bhandari, Basavraj Bhandari, and several other civic representatives and social leaders who personally congratulated the winners.
Former corporator Shrinath Bhimale sent his best wishes through a letter, while the tournament also welcomed eminent Grand Masters and Masters from the taekwondo fraternity, adding prestige to the competition.
Organizational Support and Key Contributors
Organizers expressed gratitude for the support of Daksh Ramesh Adhav and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of numerous officials and volunteers who ensured the championship's success. Key contributors included:
- Sarang Dhoka
- Yogesh Mudaliar
- Srinivas Kedgoni
- Aarti Pasarkar
- Swati Bhandari
- Rakhee Kedgoni
- Vinod Bangar
- Girish Patil
- Vandana Bangar
- Yogesh Kulkarni
- Rajendra Salunkhe
- Vishal Gavte
- Deepak and Sangeeta Kangade
- Vaibhav Naikwade
- Dr Payal Karkhile
- Dr Supriya Kulkarni
- Bridget Patil
Outstanding Performers from Pune Schools
A large contingent of players from R B Horangee and St Felix High School contributed to the medal tally, with standout performances from:
Tanisha Mudaliar, Krish Kedgoni, Preet Wandre, Tanishk Bangar, Manas Pasarkar, Geet Lunkad, Neil Dhoka, Sarvesh Kedgoni, Sumedha Sakhare, Tejaswini Kangade, Anvi Bangar, Sneha Mandge, Girish Bagalkot, Parshuram Pawar, Sai Jadhav, Priya Salve, Drishti Rokade, Sanvi Jadhav, Swaliha Khan, Kruti Dave, Zoe Annum, Sanvi Sonorikar, Ayushree Gade, Mrunmayee Patil, Kavya Kadam, Advika Kamble, Vanessa Jadhav, Pranjal Kanade, Riddhi Sharma, Siddhi Sharma, Aditi Ovhal, Arisha Risaldar, and Rajratna Deokar.
Felicitation Ceremony and Championship Leadership
The medal winners were honored in a special felicitation ceremony attended by Provincial Head Sister Ursula Pinto, Sister Jennifer Pereira, School Manager Sister Rosemary Almeida, Principal Leena Paul, Sister Elsa, Bela D’Silva, and PT teachers Sonali Rajebhosale and Rupali Bansode.
The championship was organized under the expert guidance of Master Ravindra Bhandari, who received credit for mentoring the players throughout the competition and preparing them for their outstanding achievements.
This remarkable performance at the national level highlights the growing prominence of taekwondo in Pune's educational institutions and sets a new benchmark for martial arts excellence in school sports programs across India.
