SPORTS, SOCIETY, AND SERVICE: TAEKWONDO MASTER SHREEPADA R. RAO PIONEERING SPORTS EXCELLENCE AND SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT

In a country where traditional sports have long dominated the landscape, Taekwondo has steadily carved a niche for itself, propelled by visionary leaders who see beyond the confines of competition. One such personality is Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao—a seasoned Taekwondo coach, referee, sports administrator, and humanitarian—whose work is redefining the role of martial arts particularly Taekwondo in societal development. The India Prime Times team recently had the opportunity to sit down with Taekwondo Master Rao, gaining firsthand insights into his multifaceted career and his unwavering belief in using sports as a tool for social upliftment.

A Rising Force in Indian Martial Arts

Shreepada R. Rao’s journey in martial arts began in his early childhood in Karnataka, where he first trained in Shito Ryu Style Karate before transitioning to the Shotokan Style in his teens. At the age of 16–17, he embraced Olympic Taekwondo under the mentorship of Taekwondo Master Subhash Yadav, a decision that would ultimately define his career. Over the years, Taekwondo Master Rao’s progression in Taekwondo has been marked by significant milestones—including the attainment of the Level-II Internataional Coach License from World Taekwondo & International 4th Dan Black Belt from Kukkiwon, WT HQ, Seoul, South Korea. This achievement not only underscores his technical proficiency but also his dedication to the discipline, which has seen him play pivotal roles in both coaching and officiating across numerous national and state-level competitions.

From the Matt to the Administration Desk

Beyond his prowess as an athlete and coach, Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao has made substantial contributions to the administrative side of sports. His career in sports administration includes roles as a referee, technical official, and competition director—positions in which he has been responsible for upholding fairness and technical standards in major Taekwondo events. Over the years, he has officiated in events ranging from district championships organized by the Government of Karnataka to state-level tournaments and prestigious national contests. His credentials include certification as a National Referee by the Taekwondo Federation of India (in the year 2015) and a series of roles that have seen him manage digital scoring, oversee technical operations, and coordinate event logistics.

When asked about the evolution of Taekwondo in India during our meeting, Taekwondo Master Rao remarked, “The sport has grown tremendously over the years. With every competition and every training session, we are not just honing athletic skills but also building character and discipline. It’s about creating an environment where fairness, dedication, and continuous learning are the norm.”

Championing Social Upliftment Through Sports

Parallel to his sporting endeavors, Taekwondo Master Rao has dedicated himself to humanitarian causes—a commitment vividly reflected in his role as the Founding Trustee and Chairman of YAKSHIT YUVA FOUNDATION. He envisions Taekwondo and sports, in general, as powerful vehicles for societal change, capable of transforming lives beyond the boundaries of the mat. His work through the Yakshit NGO is a testament to this belief, with a host of initiatives designed to foster personal growth, build resilience, and promote community welfare.

One of the flagship projects under his guidance is Rao’s Yuva Academy, an ISO 9001:2015 certified Taekwondo institute established in 2012. The academy not only provides world-class martial arts training but also emphasizes character development and discipline among its students who are mostly underprivileged. Taekwondo Master Rao explained during our conversation that the academy’s structured programs have been instrumental in nurturing young talent while instilling values that extend far beyond the sport.

Additionally, his NGO the Yakshit Yuva Foundation has spearheaded several community-centric programs aimed at empowering the underprivileged. The “Kick & Shout: Self-Defence Workshop” is one such initiative recognized by the Government of Karnataka, having empowered over 5,000 beneficiaries by teaching practical self-defense techniques. Other innovative programs include the “Art Attack: Drawing & Painting Contest,” which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage creative expression among youth; “A Day with Yoga,” a wellness initiative promoting mental and physical health; and “An Escapade at the Woods,” an adventure camp designed to impart essential survival skills to children and list just goes on.

These projects underscore Taekwondo Master Rao’s commitment to leveraging sports as a conduit for social change—a perspective he believes is essential in today’s fast-evolving societal landscape.

Recognitions and Accolades Reflecting a Storied Career

Taekwondo Master Rao’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has garnered multiple awards and recognitions that celebrate both his sporting achievements and his service to society. Among these, the prestigious International Icon Award 2025 for Sports Administration and Humanitarian Social Service stands out as a recent testament to his impact. This accolade, coupled with commendations from high-ranking government officials and his induction into various Halls of Fame—including the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India—solidifies his reputation as a leader in both martial arts and social development.

Other notable recognitions include the World Sports Star Award (2022) from the Martial Arts Authority of India and the World Sports Martial Arts Council, USA, as well as global certifications such as the World Taekwondo Level I and II International Coach Certifications. These awards and credentials are not merely tokens of personal success; they reflect a broader movement towards professionalizing sports administration in India and promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence within the industry.

Integrating Sports with Policy and Community Development

Taekwondo Master Rao’s influence extends into the realm of sports policy and administration. His experience as a sports administrator and his academic pursuits—including a Bachelors in Public Administration, Master’s in Physical Education & Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching and ongoing doctoral studies in Sports Administration & Management from East Bridge University, Paris—equip him with a robust understanding of the systemic challenges and opportunities in Indian sports. His contributions to policy discussions, including recommendations for the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024, aim to fortify athlete welfare, enhance grassroots coaching standards, and bring greater professionalization to sports administration.

In his own words during our discussion, Taekwondo Master Rao emphasized, “Sports, particularly Taekwondo, have the power to build communities and create opportunities for social mobility. It is not just about winning medals—it’s about instilling a sense of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. My goal has always been to create platforms that empower individuals and foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity.”

A Vision for the Future

As India’s sports landscape continues to evolve, Taekwondo Master Rao’s vision offers a blueprint for how Taekwondo & Sports can contribute to broader societal development. By integrating rigorous training with community outreach, his work bridges the gap between athletic excellence and social responsibility. His journey—from a young martial arts enthusiast to a revered sports administrator and humanitarian—serves as an inspiring example of how dedication to one’s craft can yield profound benefits for society at large.

The India Prime Times team left our meeting with Taekwondo Master Rao profoundly impressed not only by his extensive list of achievements but also by his genuine commitment to using sports as a means of societal upliftment. His approach, marked by a blend of technical expertise and heartfelt social engagement, highlights the transformative power of Taekwondo—a discipline that continues to inspire and empower a new generation of Indians.

As the nation looks towards a future where sports and social development go hand in hand, leaders like Taekwondo Master Rao Shreepada R. Rao are setting the stage for a legacy that transcends the realm of competition, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more disciplined, resilient, and empowered society.