Patna: Two young taekwondo players from Gopalganj district, Bhawani Singh and Riya Singh, have been selected to represent India at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2026 in South Korea.
The championship will be held from September 16 to 20 in Chuncheon, South Korea. Bhawani, from Ratansarai village, and Riya, from Rampur Sadaun, both belong to Barauli block of Gopalganj.
Their selection follows strong performances at national-level competitions and sustained training with their coaches and families.
Bhawani’s National-Level Record
Bhawani Singh competes in taekwondo freestyle poomsae. The Ratansarai resident has won medals at four national-level competitions, performances that helped him secure a place in the Indian team.
Alongside competing, Bhawani has also been involved in taekwondo-related training and organisational activities. In 2025, he was appointed joint secretary and referee chairman of the Gopalganj Taekwondo Association.
His father, Brijendra Singh, described the selection as a proud moment for the family and village and expressed hope that Bhawani would perform well at the world championship.
Riya Continues Despite Personal Setback
Riya Singh, from Rampur Sadaun, has also won several medals in taekwondo and received the Bihar State Sports Award for her performance.
She continued pursuing the sport after the death of her father, Upendra Singh. Her mother, Kumari Priyanka, and sister supported and encouraged her to continue her training.
Her consistent performances at national competitions eventually led to her selection for the Indian team.
Coaches And Association Support Players
The players’ families, coaches and taekwondo organisations have contributed to their development. The Taekwondo Association of Bihar, including its general secretary Sudhir Kumar Singh, along with the Gopalganj Taekwondo Association and its general secretary Aryan Pandey, supported their training and competitive preparation.
Bhawani has also taken on responsibilities within the district association while continuing his sporting career.
CM Announces Rs 2 Lakh Assistance Each
The players faced financial challenges related to travelling to South Korea and participating in the international competition. They had sought financial assistance from the state government.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on X that Bhawani Singh and Riya Singh had been selected to represent India at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in South Korea.
Describing their selection as a matter of pride for Bihar and the country, the chief minister announced Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance for each player following their request for support.
The assistance is expected to help meet travel and other expenses associated with their participation in the championship.
Set To Represent India In South Korea
Bhawani Singh and Riya Singh will now compete on the international stage after progressing through national-level competitions and training.
Their selection also highlights the opportunities available to athletes from smaller towns and rural areas when sustained training and competitive performance are supported by families and sporting organisations.
