Belagavi, Karnataka – In a resplendent testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in sports administration and humanitarian service, Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao has been conferred with the prestigious INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 in two distinguished categories:
1.Sports – Recognised for his strategic leadership and pioneering contributions as a dynamic Sports Administrator.
2.Social Service – Honoured for his relentless dedication to societal welfare, women’s empowerment, and nurturing rural talent through sports under the aegis of his esteemed NGO, Yakshit Yuva Foundation.
Adding yet another feather to his cap, Taekwondo Master Rao’s name has been immortalised in the INTERNATIONAL WORLD RECORDS, cementing his legacy as a beacon of inspiration in the global sporting arena and social service domain.
A Martial Arts Prodigy Forged in Dedication
Taekwondo Master Rao’s journey into the realm of martial arts commenced at the tender age of nine, training in Shito Ryu Style Karate under the esteemed guidance of Karate Taekwondo Master Subramanya Paarla and Grand Taekwondo Master Thomas in Puttur, Karnataka. Demonstrating an insatiable thirst for perfection, he transitioned to Shotokan Karate before embracing Olympic Taekwondo at sixteen under the tutelage of Taekwondo Master Subhash Yadav. His devotion to the discipline culminated in his attaining the 4th Dan International Black Belt Certification from Kukkiwon – World Taekwondo Headquarters, Seoul, South Korea, in 2023.
A Stalwart of Sports Coaching and Administration
With an unwavering vision to cultivate young sporting talent, Taekwondo Master Rao established Rao’s Yuva Academy in 2012 – an ISO 9001:2015 certified Taekwondo training institute and a premier martial arts hub in Belagavi, Karnataka. Officially registered under the Taekwondo Federation of India in 2014, the academy has been instrumental in shaping countless Taekwondo athletes, many of whom have achieved laurels at the district, state, and national levels.
His academic credentials and coaching prowess are reinforced by his World Taekwondo Level I & II International Coach Certifications, a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from Sunrise University, Alwar, and an NIS Certificate in Sports Coaching (Taekwondo) from Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala. Recognised on the global stage, he was inducted into the World Sports Martial Arts Council’s Hall of Fame, USA, receiving the Best Coach in the Field of Taekwondo Award in 2022.
As a Technical Director of Karnataka Taekwondo Association, Senior Vice-President of Belagavi District Taekwondo Association, and Chairman of Udupi District Taekwondo Association, Taekwondo Master Rao has played an instrumental role in structuring Taekwondo events, refining officiating standards, and elevating the sport’s stature across Karnataka.
A Revered Referee and Tournament Architect
A certified National Referee, Taekwondo Master Rao has officiated as a Technical Director in multiple high-profile championships, including the CBSE South Zone Championships (twice), DASARA Games Chief Minister’s Cup (thrice), and over ten State Taekwondo Championships. His stewardship as Tournament Director and Competition Supervisor has reinforced fair play, professionalism, and elevated the competitive standards of Taekwondo.
A Decorated Athlete with International Recognition
Taekwondo Master Rao is not merely a visionary coach and administrator but also a highly decorated athlete. He clinched a Gold Medal at the Belagavi District Taekwondo Championship (2014) in the Junior Category (Under 40 KG) and later brought international glory by winning Gold for India in the Senior (Under 54 KG) Category at the International Beach Combat Games (2019) in Goa.
A Visionary Pioneer in Sports Development
Beyond Taekwondo, Taekwondo Master Rao has been a torchbearer in advancing sports at institutional and grassroots levels. His strategic initiatives led to the integration of Taekwondo into the sports curriculum of Rani Channamma University, Belagavi. Additionally, he founded the Karavali Taekwondo Championship, an unparalleled platform for emerging martial artists in Karnataka’s coastal belt.
A Life Dedicated to Social Service and Humanitarian Efforts
Parallel to his sporting endeavours, Taekwondo Master Rao has dedicated his life to humanitarian causes as the Founding Trustee & Chairman of Yakshit Yuva Foundation. His relentless pursuit of social welfare is reflected in an array of initiatives, including:
• Rao’s Yuva Academy (ISO 9001:2015 Certified) – A premier Taekwondo institute fostering martial arts excellence since 2012.
• Kick & Shout: Self-Defence Workshop – A groundbreaking self-defence initiative recognised by the Government of Karnataka, empowering over 5,000 beneficiaries since 2016.
• Art Attack: Drawing & Painting Contest – Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative nurtured budding artists and reinvigorated creative spirits among youth.
• A Day with Yoga – A transformative wellness programme encouraging parents and the community to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice for mental and physical well-being.
• An Escapade at the Woods – A specially curated adventure camp for children aged 6-16 years, equipping them with essential survival skills, including rappelling, valley crossing, and forest survival techniques.
A Global Luminary: Recognitions and Achievements
Taekwondo Taekwondo Master Rao’s unparalleled contributions to sports and society have earned him a plethora of accolades, including:
• INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 for Sports and Social Service (January 2025).
• Commendation from the Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources, Govt. of Karnataka (2020) for his remarkable contributions to Taekwondo.
• Induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India (2022) by Dr. GrandTaekwondo Master Jimmy R. Jagtiani, the Father of Taekwondo in India.
• World Sports Star Award (2022) from the Martial Arts Authority of India & World Sports Martial Arts Council, USA.
• Global License as a Referee, Coach, and Official (2020) from World Taekwondo, Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Induction into the World Taekwondo Partnership Program (2023) with a prestigious scholarship for advanced international training at Taekwondowon, Muju, South Korea.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Sports Administration & Management at East Bridge University, Paris, Taekwondo Master Rao continues to make indelible strides in sports governance and humanitarian service. His recognition in the INTERNATIONAL WORLD RECORDS and the INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 stand as shining testaments to his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
As he forges ahead, his legacy illuminates the transformative power of sports, inspiring generations to come. His journey is not merely about winning accolades but about uplifting communities, instilling discipline, and fostering an enduring impact on society.
For aspiring athletes, sports administrators, and changemakers worldwide,
Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao’s story is an ode to perseverance, leadership, and the boundless possibilities that unfold when passion meets purpose.
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