Have you ever wondered, “What makes a winner?” Let us face it—somewhere, somehow, we have seen people doing wonders in the field of sport. Even when we are not interested in a particular sport, this question lingers back and leaves us wondering what it takes to become a champion in a particular sport.
Your quest might end today as the answers to your questions can be discovered in the life journey of an athlete. If you haven’t had the time to explore one until now, then worry not, as we had a splendid opportunity to talk with Neeraj Sir at HFM.
His journey in Taekwondo began with a spark of curiosity. Inspired by a peer’s triumph, Neeraj’s relentless dedication and passion have propelled him to become a key player and coach at Dynamic Warriors.
Discovering Taekwondo
Inspiration can come from anywhere and in any shape and form. For most people, sporting inspiration comes from watching some famous players on the biggest stage. However, this was not the case with Neeraj.
His interest in taekwondo was piqued during his school days when a classmate’s victory and recognition in a Taekwondo tournament caught his attention. Eager to understand the sport, Neeraj sought out his friend and began learning the basics. Reflecting on those days, Neeraj recalls, “We used to skip the meal during recess and practiced kicking during the break time.”
This early passion laid the foundation for his future in martial arts. His path took a decisive turn when he met Pamir Shah, a distinguished Taekwondo coach who became his mentor. Together, they embarked on a journey that shaped into something from which we can take inspiration.
Rising through the ranks
Neeraj’s journey in this industry has been no cakewalk. Since he had started with no experience, he had to overcome several obstacles in his early days.
Today, in his own words, he “dominates the 58kg category in Gujarat.” However, the price for this success and dominance was paid in the form of numerous losses and relentless effort. Neeraj told us that he lost several quarter-finals for reasons he couldn’t understand by himself. Hence, after every final, he returned to his coaches for feedback that would help him improve.
Guided by Pamir sir and Aman sir, his two mentors, Neeraj, attended several training camps and student exchange programs to improve. Interacting with expert foreign coaches and even Olympic athletes helped him identify things that he had missed out on until now. Following this, he doubled down on effort. His rigorous training, including high-altitude sessions, culminated in a bronze medal at the National Games 2023.
Even as a coach at Dynamic Warriors, Neeraj began as a novice. Being a player, he had a good idea of what a player should do in a match situation. His game awareness was top-notch. However, coaching in a game and teaching from scratch are two different things altogether.
Hence, he began with elementary teachings to small kids. Over time, he gained experience, attended coaching programs, and earned certifications. Today, his expertise spans Taekwondo, fitness, kickboxing, boxing, and sports-specific training. His personalized approach ensures that each student’s unique needs and goals are met.
Overcoming Injuries
In the world of martial arts, injuries are inevitable. Every athlete who plays a combat sport has had his fair share of them, and Neeraj is no different.
He recalls a significant setback when he broke his right toe before a major tournament. Neeraj was a tough nut to crack, though, as he decided to compete regardless of the setback. However, things soon took a turn for the worse.
After winning a few matches, Neeraj found himself staring at a swollen foot and a major game, which he eventually lost. Because of this exerted pressure, his injury worsened, resulting in a three-month recovery period.
This experience taught Neeraj the importance of proper recovery. He adapted his training, focusing on using his left foot to minimize strain on his injured right foot, ensuring his long-term health and performance.
Today, Neeraj has emerged as one of the top players in Gujarat. His story is one of grit, growth, and gratitude. For once, he, too, was a curious schoolboy who ventured into the unknown, guided by the light of Pamir Shah, to emerge as a season winner in Taekwondo.
A National Games bronze medalist (2023), a gold medalist in Khel Mahakumbh (2024), and a state champion in Gujarat (2024), his accolades are a testament to his relentless dedication. Through injuries, balancing life’s demands, and continuous self-improvement, Neeraj Gupta continues to inspire those around him, proving that one can indeed conquer one’s dreams with the right guidance and unwavering determination.
