Amman, Jordan – In a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla native Danish Manzoor clinched a bronze medal for India at the prestigious Elite Cup Taekwondo Championships held here. The 22-year-old athlete’s achievement highlights the rising prowess of Indian taekwondo on the international stage, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.
Stellar Performance in the Ring
Competing in the men’s under-74kg category, Manzoor advanced to the semi-finals after defeating opponents from host nation Jordan and Kazakhstan in earlier rounds. Although he fell short in the semi-final bout against a strong South Korean contender, his consistent display of agility, precision kicks, and defensive skills earned him the bronze through the event’s ranking system. “This medal is a dream come true and a tribute to my coaches and family back in Baramulla,” Manzoor said post-match, expressing his gratitude.The Elite Cup, organised by the World Taekwondo Federation (WT), featured over 500 athletes from 30 countries, showcasing high-level competition in various weight divisions. Manzoor’s podium finish adds to India’s tally of two bronzes at the tournament, underscoring the nation’s growing talent pool in combat sports.
From Baramulla to Global Glory
Hailing from the scenic town of Baramulla in north Kashmir, Manzoor began his taekwondo journey at a local academy at age 12. Under the guidance of the Jammu and Kashmir Taekwondo Association, he has represented India in multiple national and international events, including the Asian Taekwondo Championships. His selection for the Elite Cup was facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), which provided crucial training support.
Local officials in Baramulla celebrated the win with community events, hailing Manzoor as an inspiration for youth in the region. “Danish’s success shows that with dedication, athletes from J&K can shine globally,” said a spokesperson for the J&K Sports Council.
Future Prospects and Support
Manzoor is now gearing up for upcoming events like the World Taekwondo Grand Prix, with eyes set on Olympic qualification. The Indian Taekwondo Federation (ITF) has commended his efforts and pledged continued backing. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have also announced plans to enhance sports infrastructure to nurture more talents like Manzoor.
This bronze not only boosts India’s medal count but also promotes taekwondo as a viable career path for young athletes in India, particularly from underrepresented areas.
