School is where young minds are exposed to a broad spectrum of knowledge, opening doors to various fields they might pursue in the future. For some, these formative years offer more than just an education—they provide a glimpse into their true calling. Twisha Kakadiya is a fortunate individual who discovered her passion during school.
In an activity period at school, Twisha was introduced to taekwondo, a moment that would shape her future. She found her soul deeply attached to the sport, and from then on, she never looked back. This article celebrates the hard work and dedication that Twisha has invested to make her dream come true, culminating in her becoming the first athlete from Gujarat to win an international medal on the global stage.
Read on to discover Twisha Kakadiya’s inspiring story and find your inner motivation to achieve something greater.
Finding the strides in Taekwondo
“It all began coincidentally in a random Karate class at school,” Twisha recalls. During the session, a teacher noticed her exceptional talent and athleticism, recognizing her potential for greatness in her.
This keen observation led the teacher to contact Twisha’s parents, urging them to enroll her in a Taekwondo class to further nurture her skills. “With no particular hopes or ambitions at the time, I joined the Taekwondo class as part of my extracurricular activities, unaware that this decision would lay the foundation for a remarkable career.”
Her natural talent became evident almost immediately. In her very first outing, she not only advanced to the district level but also excelled, showcasing skills far beyond her years. Her remarkable performance continued, culminating in a gold medal at the state level. This early success confirmed what her teachers had suspected—Twisha was a prodigy, possessing an innate ability and drive that set her apart from her peers. Her rapid ascent in the sport illustrated her exceptional potential and foreshadowed the remarkable achievements ahead.
Family and coaches: the perfect support system
Twisha’s excellence demonstrates her dedication and sacrifice and reflects the unwavering support from her family. She says, “Living far from the training center, my parents and grandparents ensured that I arrived on time every day. Even if they had to wake up as early as 4:30 in the morning, they would do it without any hesitation.” Their steadfast commitment ensured that Twisha had every opportunity to pursue her passion.
In sports, disappointment is inevitable, but having a solid support system makes all the difference. Twisha’s family never pressured her to excel but encouraged her to enjoy her time on the mat. Even when she didn’t secure a podium position, they reminded her of her love for the sport, offering unwavering support and encouragement. This nurturing environment allowed Twisha to focus on her growth and development rather than the outcome of each match.
Her coaches also played a crucial role in her success. After every setback, Twisha would review her matches, seeking ways to improve. Her coaches engaged in long conversations with her, discussing strategies and areas for improvement. This collaborative approach helped Twisha refine her skills and instilled a resilient and determined spirit within her, propelling her towards her dreams. With the combined support of her family and coaches, Twisha Kakadiya captured and fulfilled her dreams, becoming an inspiration to many.
Injuries and bouncing back
Taekwondo is a combat sport in which injuries are almost inevitable. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Twisha has had her fair share of injuries over the years.
“Ankle injuries are some of the common injuries that I have suffered in my career,” she told us. These minor injuries have never posed a hurdle on her path to success, and she always finds a way to navigate around them. However, she suffered a significant wrist injury in 2019 after her involvement in the Asian Championship, where she secured a Bronze medal.
“I suffered a major injury in both my wrists post this tournament. This was a result of the impact my wrist took daily, which resulted in a ligament issue, according to the doctors,” she remembers. Twisha recalls this as one of the worst injuries of her career so far, as it sucked at least 2-3 years out of her.
“I got it plastered, yet it just wouldn’t go away. Since we deal in a combat sport, the weight of the blows landed and received stopped my hands from completely recovering, and the injury kept recurring.” Twisha was lucky enough that the injury occurred to her during COVID-19 times. Hence, she didn’t have to miss any major tournaments because of it.
Although when asked to advise fellow athletes on recovering from injuries, Twisha Kakadiya emphasizes the importance of prioritizing recovery over immediate training. She advises, “Focus on getting back in shape. Miss your training if you have to, to recover quickly. Rehab and recouping should be your only focus to ensure your injury doesn’t suck up any more time than it needs to.”
International Achievements
Twisha’s hard work paid off in taekwondo and was adorned with numerous accolades. Below is the list of some of her achievements:
- 2019: Won a bronze medal at the prestigious Asian Junior Taekwondo Championship (G2), marking her emergence as a rising star in the sport.
- 2022: Secured a silver medal at the 3rd Mount Everest Open Taekwondo Championship (G2), demonstrating her relentless pursuit of excellence.
- 2023: Participated in the Baku World Taekwondo Championship (G12), highlighting her commitment to competing at the highest levels.
- 31st Fajr Open Taekwondo Championship (G1): Earned a bronze medal, reinforcing her status as a top-tier athlete.
Twisha’s dedication and skill have also led her to qualify for major upcoming events, including the 25th Asian Taekwondo Championship and the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games, positioning her among the elite in the sport.
Twisha Kakadiya has shown remarkable talent from a young age and is poised for even greater achievements in the future. Aspiring to become the first Indian to compete in taekwondo at the Olympics, she has her sights set on the 2028 Games.
