Gangtok | August 26, 2025 — Sikkim is celebrating a proud sporting achievement as 8-year-old Shivani Thapa from Gangtok clinched the silver medal at the National Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship, held at Palzor Stadium from August 23 to 25.
A Class IV student at St. Thomas’ School, Shivani competed in the Sub-Junior Girls’ 24 kg category, earning national recognition for her outstanding performance among over 350 young athletes from across India.
Gangtok Hosts National-Level Martial Arts Competition
The prestigious tournament, which transformed Gangtok into a vibrant hub of martial arts, was organized by the Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association (SATA) in collaboration with India Taekwondo and Khelo India. The event also featured the Asmita Khelo India Women’s League, aimed at increasing female participation in sports and promoting athletic discipline among youth.
Shivani’s medal win not only highlighted her personal dedication but also showcased the rising talent from Sikkim on the national sports stage.
Trained Under Expert Coaches
Shivani represents the Sikkim United Taekwondo Dojang, where she trains under the guidance of international referee Bijay Gurung and national referee Chultem Palmu Bhutia. Her commitment and consistent training helped her stand out in a competitive field.
“Her success is a result of hard work, strong mentorship, and a supportive training environment,” said one of her coaches.
Teachers and classmates at St. Thomas’ School expressed pride in her accomplishment, noting that her success may inspire other young students to take up sports seriously and aim for national-level competitions.
A Role Model in the Making
At just 8 years old, Shivani Thapa has already become a role model for aspiring athletes in Sikkim. Her achievement adds to the growing list of sports milestones in the state and underscores the importance of grassroots sports development and training infrastructure.
