“Taekwondo teaches me strength and discipline,” says this young gold medalist

At just eight years old, Parthavi Kumar Sharma, a Class 3 student from Apeejay School, Saket, is a national champion of taekwondo. Recently, she clinched the gold medal at the National Taekwondo Championship held at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, showcasing her grit, dedication, and skill. In a candid conversation, Parthavi opens up about her journey, her favorite moves, and how her school and family played a pivotal role in her success.

Congratulations on winning gold at the National Taekwondo Championship! How was your experience in the competition?
Thank you so much! It was an amazing experience. The championship had three rounds, each lasting 1 minute and 30 seconds. I participated in two fights—the knockout rounds and then the final. Thankfully, all the matches were manageable for me, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Which belt are you currently holding?
I have the green and blue stripe belt. It’s a big milestone in my journey, and I’m excited to work my way up to the next level.

Do you have a favorite move in taekwondo?
Yes! My favorite move is Phunse. It’s the move I practiced the most leading up to the national championship at Talkatora Stadium. I find it really effective and fun to execute.

When did you start learning taekwondo, and what inspired you?
I started learning taekwondo three years ago at the School of Self Defence Academy in Krishna Park. My parents were the ones who enrolled me because they wanted me to learn self-defense. Over time, I started loving the discipline and strength it teaches, and now I’m completely hooked.

How did you prepare for the national championship?
My training period was quite intense. I practiced for two hours every day, focusing on improving my moves and stamina. Along with that, I followed a special workout routine and made sure to eat a lot of dry fruits and immunity-boosting foods to keep my body strong. The preparation required hard work, but it was all worth it when I won!

What role did your school play in motivating you?
My school has been a big part of my journey. We have a taekwondo class once a week, and all the teachers are so encouraging. They always appreciate my efforts and cheered me on throughout my training. After my victory, they praised me a lot, which made me feel even more proud of what I had achieved.

What’s next for you in your taekwondo journey?
I want to keep improving and move to higher belts. Competitions like these motivate me to work harder and sharpen my skills. I’m excited to see where taekwondo takes me in the future!