Kick, punch, win, repeat!

Tanmay Sharma, class 3 student at Apeejay Svran Global School won the silver medal at the International Taekwondo championship held recently at Talkatora stadium, New Delhi. In an interview, the Green Belt holder budding martial artist, speaks about his experience of playing at the tournament, his training schedule and role models in the world of Taekwondo. Edited Excerpts:

At what age did you start learning Taekwondo?

I started learning Taekwondo when I was six years of age. I was in class 1 then. Before Taekwondo, I was doing kickboxing. My mother told me about Taekwondo classes being conducted in the school by Ajit Sir, the school Taekwondo coach. I was very excited to try this new form of martial arts.

Soon I joined a martial arts academy as well and participated in tournaments. This is my second international Taekwondo tournament.  Earlier I had won the bronze medal in my first Taekwondo tournament in 2019.

Please tell us about the recent Taekwondo tournament in which you bagged the silver medal?

The championship was held at Talkatora Stadium from November 27-28. I had two fights in the championship. My opponents were tough but I was confident during my fights. I was able to defeat the first opponent. But the second opponent was bigger in height and more experienced in Taekwondo than me. So it was tough to beat him.

Which is your favourite martial arts film?

My favourite martial film is The Karate Kid. I also liked Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings.

Which belt do you have in Taekwondo and what proficiency level does it denote?

I have the Green Belt. It is achieved at the third level in Taekwondo.

Who are your idols and role models in the world of Taekwondo?

I look up to Puran Andrew Gurung. He is the Father of Taekwondo who brought Taekwondo to India and Nepal

What are your next targets?

A number of state and district level tournaments are coming in the future. So I am gearing up for them.

Please tell us about your diet and training routine?

I practice at the Martial arts academy near my house in Faridabad. I train around one and a half hours every day. During training, I eat bananas or eat Fitmix in the absence of bananas. It is a healthy mixture of various nuts. 

How does the school help you in pursuing Taekwondo?

The school helps me by always encouraging me to do my best in Taekwondo. Their constant encouragement puts me in a mental space where I tell myself, “I have to do this!”

I would like to thank my class teacher Ekta Bhardwaj Ma’am and Principal ma’am for their constant support. Ekta Ma’am tells Principal ma’am about my achievements and Principal Ma’am encourages me a lot. I would also like to thank my mother, Mrs Vandana Sharma.