Indore athlete Sapna scripts history with fourth straight gold at Para Taekwondo National C'ship

Indore: City's para taekwondo athlete, 35-year-old Sapna Sharma , clinched her fourth consecutive gold medal at the Para Taekwondo National Championship 2025-26. The championship was held on March 28 and 29 at Koramangala Stadium in Bengaluru.

Competing against nearly 70 athletes, Sapna delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament.

She maintained control in each bout and sealed the title with a confident display in the final. Mamata of Telangana won the silver medal, while Krishnaveni secured bronze.

Sapna competed in P52 category conducted as a display event during the championship. The P52 classification is based on degree and nature of an athlete's physical impairment, ensuring fair competition among participants with similar levels of disability.

Sapna's victory has brought pride not only to Indore but to the entire state.

Her journey, however, goes far beyond medals. Affected by polio in both legs, she has pushed past physical challenges through steady effort and firm resolve.

Before excelling in taekwondo, she represented the state in table tennis and also earned recognition in arm wrestling.

Despite financial constraints and family responsibilities, Sapna continued her training without pause. She has represented India at the international level but admits that on several occasions she could not participate due to lack of resources.

"There were times when I qualified for international events but could not travel because of financial difficulties. Still, I never gave up," she said.

Sapna credits her success to discipline, self-belief and perseverance. "My biggest challenge has been my physical condition, along with managing work and family. But every difficulty made me stronger," she said. She considers her own life and struggles as her greatest source of inspiration.

Supported by her husband Sanjay Verma and daughter Hanaya, Sapna now aims to win more medals for India at the international level.

"If your determination is strong, no weakness can stop you," she added, reaffirming her commitment to continue striving for excellence.