An Inspiring Journey Of A Taekwondo Player

Many people indeed face struggles in their lives. Challenges and problems are a part of everyone's life. However, it is important to learn how to handle them to make a difference. Those who overcome their problems and obstacles are the ones who succeed. They become an inspiration for others and leave a lasting impact.

Ashok Khadka is an excellent example of this. Despite facing several injuries during his career as a Taekwondo player, he persevered and continued to practice the sport. He is now an active coach, referee, and administrator in the domestic Taekwondo scene. For almost two decades, Ashok has been contributing to the promotion of Nepali Taekwondo in various capacities. His dedication and hard work have made him a well-known and respected name in Taekwondo circles.

 Injury-plagued career

Unfortunately, Ashok couldn't fulfil his potential in Nepali Taekwondo due to injuries. Injuries are a player's biggest fear, as they can completely derail a player's career. It's not uncommon for players to be forced to retire due to injuries.

In the 2006 South Asian Games (SAG), Ashok was one of the top contenders in the men’s under-54 kg weight group. He was in the last three and had a good chance of being selected for the regional sporting fiesta.

However, in a fight with Surendra Shahi, Ashok suffered a severe injury and was unable to complete the game. He had to walkover the match, which was a huge blow to his dreams of playing on the Colombo SAG. Ashok was left with a plaster cast on his leg and had to stay at home. He considers this incident to be the saddest moment of his playing life.

 After recovering from his injury, Ashok did not let his spirit dampen and returned to the game. In the following year, he participated in the international taekwondo tournament held in Lucknow, India. However, his left leg got injured again in the quarterfinals. He quickly got his leg plastered and returned to Nepal overnight.

To his dismay, he found out that he had received inadequate treatment in India, with only a plaster applied to his injured leg that was supposed to be operated on. As a result, Ashok had to stay in the hospital for an extended period and the treatment cost him millions of rupees.

Despite the setback, Ashok refused to give up. Although he couldn't compete in Kyorugi, he began working hard in Poomsae, another type of taekwondo. He made a remarkable comeback by winning a gold medal in Poomsae at the sixth National Games held in the Far West. He also went on to win a gold medal in South Korea, demonstrating his unwavering determination and resilience. His recent silver medal feat at the 17th Japan Open International Taekwondo Championships shows his persistent love for Taekwondo.

Successful coach

Ashok has been able to contribute to the world of Taekwondo despite facing setbacks in his sporting career. He has trained more than 450 black belt players and has taught Taekwondo to over 5,000 people.

Ashok's dedication to producing skilled Taekwondo players has also helped to put Nepal on the map in the international Taekwondo community. Moreover, the sixth-dan Taekwondo master wants to fulfil his Olympic dreams through his pupils.

The Nepalese Taekwondo Academy, which he established, could be a catalyst to fulfil his dream. It's truly inspiring to see how Mulpani Dojang's dream project, the Nepalese Taekwondo Academy, has now become a reality with its very own building worth crores.

Competent judge

Ashok's involvement with the Taekwondo jury is truly outstanding. Attending the referee seminar four years ago was a pivotal moment in his taekwondo journey. Being recognised as the best in the seminar by the World Taekwondo Federation made him eligible to become a referee in international competitions. In a short period of time, he has judged over 40 international competitions in various parts of the world. Of them, 36 are world-ranking tournaments.

Ashok was selected as the best judge in the World Taekwondo Championship held in Bulgaria last year. He was also declared the best judge in world-ranking competitions like the Belgium Open, Swedish Open, and Australian Open.

Ashok is one of the few Nepalese taekwondo practitioners who have trained as para referees. Last year, the Ministry of Youth and Sports honoured Ashok as the 'Best Referee' and awarded him a prize of one lakh.

Ashok, who has organised competitions in around twenty-five countries, now has the dream of serving as a judge for the Olympic Games.

In social service

The president of the Kathmandu Taekwondo Association, Ashok, has not limited himself to Taekwondo. He is committed to making a positive impact in his community through social service.

He has been collaborating with Raksha Nepal to provide free taekwondo training to women who have suffered sexual violence. Pooja Bohra, a recipient of this training, went on to win a gold medal in South Korea.

He has extended his support to Chepang, the children of imprisoned parents, and children with various problems by teaching them Taekwondo.

Ashok's contribution during the 2072 earthquake in the Kageshwari area, where he built 14 temporary houses for the victims, highlights his selflessness and willingness to help others in need.

Even during the Corona pandemic, Ashok has provided relief to over 4,000 people and has always lent a helping hand to kidney sufferers, orphans, and disabled people.

Ashok always emphasises that his life's goal is social service. Having undergone in difficult situations himself, he has realised that someone's help in difficult situations can make a life-changing impact. Therefore, he believes in giving back. For him, there is no greater satisfaction than serving others.

(Joshi is Associate Editor at The Rising Nepal.)