The inspiring story of a sports visionary who transformed from a small-town martial arts enthusiast into Karnataka’s first internationally certified Taekwondo coach and pioneering sports administrator
When young Shreepada R. Rao first stepped into a karate dojo in Puttur in the early 2000s, little did anyone know that this curious nine-year-old would one day rewrite the history of martial arts in Karnataka. Today, Taekwondo Master Rao stands tall as not just a coach or administrator, but as a true game-changer who has single-handedly elevated Karnataka’s position on the global Taekwondo map.
From Karate Kid to Taekwondo Pioneer
Growing up in the coastal town of Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, Rao’s martial arts adventure began with Shito Ryu Style Karate. But destiny had bigger plans. At twelve, he switched to Shotokan Style Karate in Belagavi, and by sixteen, he discovered his true calling when he encountered the Olympic sport of Taekwondo under Master Subhash Yadav’s guidance.
This wasn’t just another sport for the young enthusiast – it became his mission. What started as weekend training sessions gradually evolved into a lifelong commitment that would eventually benefit thousands of athletes across South India.
The Milestone That Changed Everything
2020 will forever be etched in Karnataka’s sporting history as the year Taekwondo Master Rao achieved something no one from the state had done before – earning the World Taekwondo Level I International Coach Certification from World Taekwondo, Lausanne, Switzerland. This groundbreaking achievement didn’t just add another feather to his cap; it opened doors for an entire generation of Karnataka’s aspiring coaches and athletes.
“This certification was never about personal glory,” reflects those who know him closely. “It was about proving that talent from Karnataka could compete and excel at the highest international standards.”
Academic Powerhouse Meets Practical Genius
What sets Taekwondo Master Rao apart from his contemporaries is his unique blend of academic excellence and hands-on experience. While pursuing his Doctorate in Sports Administration and Management from East Bridge University, Paris, he has already earned his Master’s in Physical Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching – both with first-class honours.
His Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration wasn’t just another qualification; it became the foundation for his exceptional understanding of sports governance and administrative frameworks. The Certificate Course from Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala, where he achieved Grade ‘B’, equipped him with cutting-edge knowledge in Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, and Strength Conditioning.
The CEO Who Transformed Belagavi District
Between 2018 and 2022, Taekwondo Master Rao wore the hat of Chief Executive Officer at Belagavi District Taekwondo Association – and what a transformation he brought! Under his dynamic leadership, the district underwent a complete makeover that other regions are still trying to emulate.
His CEO tenure was nothing short of revolutionary. He introduced digital scoring systems that eliminated human error, established training protocols that matched international standards, and created athlete development programs that identified and nurtured talent from the grassroots level. But perhaps his most significant contribution was making Taekwondo accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.
“He didn’t just modernize our systems; he democratized the sport,” says a long-time association member. “Rural kids who never dreamed of learning martial arts suddenly had training centers in their neighborhoods.”
The results spoke for themselves – participation rates skyrocketed, and Belagavi became the go-to district for other regions seeking to upgrade their Taekwondo infrastructure.
Global Recognition, Local Impact
While Taekwondo Master Rao was making waves internationally – progressing to Level II International Coach Certification in 2024 and participating in elite forums like the World Para Taekwondo Workshop – he never forgot his roots. His scholarship selection for the Advanced International Instructor Course at Taekwondowon Muju, South Korea, in 2023 was celebrated across Karnataka as a state achievement.
His international engagements, including representation at the University Sports and Peace Forum, have consistently focused on bringing global best practices back to Indian soil.
Innovation Through Championships
Not content with just coaching and administration, Taekwondo Master Rao turned entrepreneur in the sporting world. He conceptualized and launched the “Karavali Taekwondo Championship” – a premier state-level tournament that put coastal Karnataka on the national martial arts map. The success of this initiative led to the creation of the “Konkan Taekwondo Development Championship,” extending his influence into Maharashtra.
These weren’t just tournaments; they were platforms for discovering hidden talent and providing exposure to athletes who might otherwise never get the chance to compete at higher levels.
The Social Revolutionary: A Comprehensive Approach to Community Development
In 2022, Taekwondo Master Rao founded the Yakshit Yuva Foundation, a humanitarian, non-profit, sports-based voluntary organization that takes his sports administration expertise into the social sector. As Founding Trustee and Chairman, he personally oversees and implements comprehensive programs that use martial arts, sports, and holistic development as tools for social transformation.
Kick & Shout: Empowering Women Through Self-Defence
Running successfully since 2016, this flagship initiative represents Taekwondo Master Rao’s personal commitment to women’s safety and empowerment. The program has benefited over 5,000 people, with participants undergoing intensive physical and mental training in self-defence techniques specifically curated from Taekwondo.
Taekwondo Master Rao personally designs and conducts these workshops, combining martial arts with mental strength training. His unique approach has attracted partnerships with renowned NGOs like the Women Welfare Society, which regularly conducts the programme at their rehabilitation centres. The workshop goes beyond physical techniques, focusing on building confidence, resilience, and mental fortitude.
Art Attack: Nurturing Creative Excellence
Since 2019, Taekwondo Master Rao has personally conceptualized and organized this annual drawing and painting contest, believing that fine arts play a crucial role in fostering children’s mental imagery skills. The competition attracts students from various districts across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, serving as a platform for young talent to showcase artistic abilities.
Under his direct supervision, this annual contest has become a celebrated occasion that consistently uncovers promising new talents. Taekwondo Master Rao personally reviews submissions and provides guidance to emerging artists, supporting them in pursuing their passion for fine arts and contributing to their holistic growth.
A Day with Yoga: Wellness Through Ancient Wisdom
Initiated personally by Taekwondo Master Rao during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, this programme promotes the ancient Indian art of yoga for wellness and fitness among athletes and their families. His vision was to enhance both physical and mental health through yoga during the challenging pandemic period.
Due to its success under his leadership, the event is now conducted biannually, with Taekwondo Master Rao personally leading sessions and helping participants incorporate yoga into their routines for long-term well-being and resilience.
An Escapade at the Woods: Adventure-Based Learning
Since 2016, Taekwondo Master Rao has personally designed and conducted this thrilling programme offering adventurous educational experiences for school-going children. The initiative exposes participants to various terrestrial activities including rappelling, river crossing, jungle trekking, tent pitching, and basic survival skills.
Conducted biannually under his direct supervision, Taekwondo Master Rao personally ensures that each adventure teaches confidence, resilience, and teamwork. His hands-on approach helps children develop essential life skills while connecting them with nature, fostering physical fitness, problem-solving abilities, and an adventurous spirit.
Careerscape – Mapping the Mind: Shaping Future Leaders
This structured career guidance and capacity-building initiative, launched by Taekwondo Master Rao, adopts a holistic approach to career exploration. The programme combines psychometric assessments, expert-led workshops, personalised counselling, and exposure to diverse career domains, including underrepresented fields like sports and physical education.
Under his personal guidance, Careerscape has positively impacted over 8,000 beneficiaries, enabling them to navigate their aspirations with clarity and confidence. Taekwondo Master Rao personally mentors students, helping them identify aptitudes and align interests with viable career pathways.
His recent recognition with the INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 in Sports Administration and Social Service categories validates his personal commitment and transformative impact as both a sports expert and social reformer. The award specifically recognizes his strategic leadership as a Sports Administrator and his relentless dedication to societal welfare, women’s empowerment, and nurturing rural talent through sports.
Academic Integration Pioneer
Taekwondo Master Rao’s vision extends far beyond traditional coaching. His successful collaboration in including Taekwondo within Rani Channamma University’s Sports Curriculum has created a sustainable pathway for the sport’s growth in higher education.
As Competition Director and Selection Committee Member for university tournaments, he has ensured that academic institutions become breeding grounds for future champions.
Technical Excellence Meets Leadership
His progression from Class ‘P’ National Referee in 2015 to National Referee Class ‘II’ in 2018 showcases his technical mastery. But it’s his leadership roles that truly demonstrate his impact – from Head of Operations for State Championships to Tournament Director for CBSE competitions.
Every event he touches sees improved standards, better organization, and enhanced athlete experience. His technical expertise has modernized competition formats across Karnataka, setting benchmarks that other states now follow.
The Hall of Fame Journey
Recognition came calling in 2022 when the World Sports Martial Arts Council, USA, inducted him into their Hall of Fame as Best Coach in Taekwondo, along with the prestigious World Sports Star Award. Later that year, his induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India by Dr. Grandmaster Jimmy R. Jagtiani cemented his position among the sport’s legends.
The commendation from Karnataka’s Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources in 2020 was particularly special – recognition from his home state for contributions that have brought global acclaim to Karnataka.
Building Tomorrow’s Champions
Through Rao’s Yuva Academy, established in 2012 at Sri Siddheshwar Temple Campus, Kakati Village, Taekwondo Master Rao has created more than just a training center. Certified with an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, the academy has achieved remarkable success, with its athletes winning over 650 medals at district, zonal, divisional, state, and national levels.
The academy’s focus on serving underprivileged communities while maintaining world-class standards has created a new model for sports development that organizations across India are studying and replicating. The academy’s approach emphasizes not only athletic achievement but also the development of life skills, ensuring athletes are equipped to excel both on and off the mat.
The Administrative Architect
Currently serving as Senior Vice-President & Chief Executive Officer of Belagavi District Taekwondo Association and Honorary Chairman of Udupi District Taekwondo Association, Taekwondo Master Rao continues to shape policy and direction for the sport’s future.
His earlier roles as Technical Director of Karnataka Taekwondo Association and Treasurer of district associations have given him insights into every aspect of sports administration – from grassroots development to elite competition management.
Looking Ahead: The Doctoral Vision
As he progresses through his doctoral studies, Taekwondo Master Rao is developing frameworks that could revolutionize sports administration across India. His research focuses on creating sustainable models that balance competitive excellence with social impact.
His continued involvement in international forums and coaching certifications ensures that Karnataka remains at the forefront of global Taekwondo developments.
The Ripple Effect
What started as one person’s passion has created a ripple effect across Karnataka and beyond. Today, coaches trained under his guidance are setting up academies in remote corners of the state. Athletes who benefited from his programs are becoming role models in their communities.
His work has proven that with the right vision, administrative expertise, and commitment to social good, sports can become a powerful tool for societal transformation.
The story of Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao is still being written. As Karnataka’s first International Taekwondo Coach Level I, pioneering sports administrator, and dedicated social worker, he has shown that breaking barriers isn’t just about personal achievement – it’s about creating pathways for others to follow.
In an era where sports administration often gets overshadowed by on-field achievements, Taekwondo Master Rao has demonstrated that behind every great sporting culture are visionary administrators who dare to dream big and work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality.
From a small-town martial arts enthusiast to Karnataka’s most celebrated Taekwondo and Sports administrator, Shreepada R. Rao’s journey continues to inspire countless individuals who believe that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, any barrier can be broken.
