With 3 Fingers In Each Hands, Aruna Tanwar Knocks Her Way To Paralympics

Taekwondo player Aruna Tanwar, a promising athlete from the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Lucknow, has achieved a significant milestone by securing her spot in the prestigious Paris Paralympics 2024. Tanwar, who suffered severe injuries during her first bout at the Tokyo Paralympics, forcing her to withdraw from the repechage round of the Paralympics women's taekwondo K44-49kg class, is now set to compete again in Paris. This extraordinary accomplishment not only showcases her exceptional athletic prowess but also reflects the fearless spirit that has propelled her towards success despite facing numerous challenges along the way. 

Rising Above Adversity

Tanwar's journey to Paralympic glory is rooted in India's heartland, amidst Haryana's rustic charm. Born into a family of farmers, Aruna's childhood was characterized by the simple pleasures of rural life, where hard work and perseverance were revered virtues. From a young age, Aruna exhibited a natural inclination towards physical activity, displaying a remarkable agility and determination that belied her tender years. Despite facing societal barriers and physical challenges as she was born with deformities in her hands, she remained undeterred, fueled by her passion for Taekwondo. 

Tanwar claims that her parents are supportive of her. She also claimed that when she was younger, they would follow her to every national event in which she participated and she hopes to win a medal in the Paralympics as a tribute to her parents.

Tanwar previously stated in an interview that she is a huge fan of martial arts. Earlier, I played in the general category but I wasn't getting much success there. I came to know about para-taekwondo and started playing it."

Tanwar's father was also questioned during the interview, where he mentioned that the efforts of the coaches (Mr Ashok Kumar and Mr Satish Dhull from Rohtak MDU) and Aruna have paid off. He also stated that, due to the financial crisis, they were forced to sell jewellery and borrow money. He also urged the government to assist them and to care about Aruna.

When Tanwar Withdrew From Tokyo Paralympics Due To Injury

Tanwar, who was slated to compete in the repechage round, was compelled to forfeit her opportunity due to the repercussions of injuries sustained earlier in the tournament. Despite her remarkable resilience, Tanwar's physical condition rendered her unable to proceed further in the competition.

During her quarterfinal clash against fourth-seeded Espinoza Carranza of Peru, Aruna Tanwar showcased immense courage by participating despite her injuries. However, the magnitude of her opponent's prowess proved insurmountable, resulting in a one-sided bout that concluded in Espinoza's favour.

A statement issued by the Indian delegation elucidated the severity of Aruna Tanwar's injuries, attributing her withdrawal to "severe pain and dysfunction." Despite her valiant efforts to persevere through adversity, Tanwar's physical well-being necessitated prioritizing medical attention over further participation in the competition.

Triumph at the Asian Para-Taekwondo Qualifiers Championship

After a long wait of 3 years, the pinnacle of Tanwar's journey came at the Asian Para-Taekwondo Qualifiers Championship held in China, where she etched her name in sporting history with a display of unparalleled skill and determination. Competing in the women’s 47kg weight category, Tanwar emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal and cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-taekwondo.

Tanwar started her journey in sports in 2010, having previously ranked No. 4 in the women's U-49 category. She is also a five-time national champion and has made it to the podium in both the Asian Para-Taekwondo Championships and the World Para-Taekwondo Championships in the last four years. 

As Tanwar basks in the glory of her latest triumph, her gaze is fixed firmly on the horizon, where the radiant lights of Paris beckon. With her victory at the Asian Para-Taekwondo Qualifiers Championship, Tanwar has punched her ticket to the prestigious Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, marking her second appearance on the world stage.