Young Achiever: Kicking High: The story of triumph in Taekwondo

In the world of martial arts, where determination meets discipline, a young prodigy emerges. Harshita Sharma, a class III student from Apeejay School, Tanda Road, has clinched a Gold medal in the under 25 kg category at the 3rd Memorial Open Taekwondo Championship 2023-24. Organised by HM Taekwondo Academy, the event unfolded at Krishna Dham, Faridkot, where Harshita’s victory not only highlighted her exceptional talent but also her unwavering spirit.

In a candid interview, she talks about her journey and the passion that drives her martial arts endeavours.

How excited were you when you found out you had won?

I was extremely excited when I found out I had won the gold medal. The moment it was announced, I was filled with an immense sense of joy and satisfaction. It felt like a dream come true, and I was thrilled because winning has always been exhilarating for me.

Were you confident of winning the Gold?

I had complete faith in my abilities and my performance. I believed in myself and felt confident throughout the competition. The support and training I received made me optimistic about my chances of winning. It was my positive outlook that helped me clinch the medal.

When did you develop an interest in Taekwondo, and why Taekwondo specifically?

I’ve been interested in martial arts for a while, practicing both kickboxing alongside Taekwondo. The bug bit me last year, sometime in May or June. Our coach in the school encouraged me to take up kickboxing. He saw potential in me and encouraged me to give it a try. I was immediately drawn to it and started training seriously.

I chose to compete in Taekwondo because I enjoy the challenges and the discipline it requires. It’s not just about physical strength but also strategy and mental fortitude.

How long have you been practicing Taekwondo and kickboxing?

I’ve been practicing since last year. However, I’ve been actively training in Taekwondo and kickboxing making it possible for me to be good at both. I take my training and the sport very seriously.

Do you see a difference between Taekwondo and kickboxing?

Kickboxing is a sport where you punch, kick, and sometimes use your knees to hit. It’s like a mix of different fighting games, including boxing and Karate. But Taekwondo is from Korea and is special because it involves kicks a lot. You get to do moves like spinning and jumping kicks in Taekwondo.

How do you manage your school and training schedules?

Managing both school and training is challenging, but I make it work by being disciplined and organising my time well. After school, after I finish all my schoolwork, I dedicate my evenings to training, which starts around 7 pm. I try to train for at least two hours daily.

Do you follow any special diet to maintain your fitness level?

Yes, I follow a special diet to ensure I’m in the best shape for my training. My diet includes healthy and nutritious foods that provide me with the energy I need for my intense training sessions. I drink juice, milk, and dry fruits that my mother gives me.

How supportive are your parents and school when it comes to your sports commitments?

My parents and school are very supportive of my sports commitments. My teachers are also very supportive and help me with any work that I may have missed out on. They understand the importance of my training and competitions and provide me with the encouragement and support I need to succeed.

What do you believe is essential for winning medals in sports like Taekwondo?

Discipline is key to winning medals in sports like Taekwondo. Regular practice, proper nutrition, and mental preparation are also crucial. Being focused and determined helps in overcoming challenges and achieving success.