Eight-Year-Old Goyir Riba Wins Gold at Tirak International Taekwondo Tournament
Goyir Riba, an eight-year-old from Arunachal Pradesh, won gold at the 10th Tirak International Taekwondo Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, in an impressive demonstration of ability and tenacity. Riba, representing India, competed in the Poomsae division for the sub-junior, under-eight age group and won in a tight final, taking first place in this important international event.
The competition, which attracted over 3,700 athletes from 17 nations, was a true test of guts and talent, and Riba demonstrated that she possesses both in abundance. Faced with young opponents from Thailand and Malaysia, she stood firm and triumphed with an amazing performance that earned her gold medal.
But Riba's achievements did not end there. In addition to her gold in Poomsae, she won a bronze medal in the Kyurogi division, demonstrating her versatility in Taekwondo. Kyurogi, a sparring event, is recognised for its strong physicality and strategy, and Riba's ability to thrive in both Poomsae (a set of pre-arranged motions) and Kyurogi demonstrates her overall Taekwondo abilities. At the age of eight, her accomplishments are nothing short of astounding.
Riba trains at the Lepa-Rada Taekwondo Academy in Arunachal Pradesh, where she is coached by Nyorak. Her coach, who also competed at the championship, earned bronze medals in both the Poomsae and Kyurogi categories in the men’s senior category. The success of both instructor and student demonstrates the academy's unwavering dedication to developing potential and greatness in Taekwondo.
The Tirak International Taekwondo Tournament, held yearly in Bangkok, is a widely anticipated event for young athletes seeking to display their abilities on a global scale. With participants from all around the world, it provides an opportunity for athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of international audiences. Young athletes like Goyir Riba see it as a fantastic opportunity to acquire exposure, study, and grow in the sport.
Riba's triumph is not only a personal achievement; it is also a source of great pride for her family, academy, and home state of Arunachal Pradesh. Her win has motivated many young athletes in India to pursue sports with passion and determination. In a country that is increasingly prioritising sports and fitness, Riba's accomplishments demonstrate that age is no barrier to success and that hard work pays off.
As Goyir Riba goes home with her medals, she is already an inspiration to young athletes, and her future in Taekwondo appears bright. With her coach's instruction and continuous effort, we may expect to hear more about her exploits in the coming years. For the time being, India has one more reason to celebrate: an eight-year-old Taekwondo champion who has elevated her state and country to the global stage.
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