CISF Taekwondo Team Achieves Glorious Five-Medal Haul at National Championship

What a spectacular display of skill and sheer determination we witnessed recently! The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Taekwondo team, truly, left an indelible mark at the 5th Indian Taekwondo Kyorugi National Championship, which unfolded between August 16th and 21st, 2026, in the vibrant city of Mahalunge, Pune. It was a week-long showcase of talent, and our CISF athletes were absolutely at the forefront, bringing home an impressive total of five medals – two glittering golds, a hard-earned silver, and two well-deserved bronze.

This fantastic achievement is, without a doubt, a testament to the rigorous training and unwavering dedication of the ten-member squad. Comprising four exceptionally talented women and six powerful male players, this team trains relentlessly at the CISF concentration centre in CGBS, Mahipalpur. You could almost feel the collective effort and the countless hours they've poured into perfecting their craft, culminating in this glorious moment on the national stage.

Let's talk about the absolute standouts, our gold medalists, who truly brought the house down. Saina Khan, representing Uttar Pradesh, absolutely dominated the Under-62 kg category. And frankly, it's not surprising when you look at her pedigree. Saina isn't just a national champion; she's an internationally seasoned competitor! She's already graced the Under-21 World Taekwondo Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, earlier in 2026, not to mention clinching a silver at the 2nd Vietnam Open Taekwondo Championship and a bronze at the 8th Asian Taekwondo Indonesian Open Championship, both in the same year. Her experience, her poise, and her incredible skill really shone through in Pune.

Sharing the top spot on the podium was Kanishka from Uttarakhand, who powered her way to gold in the Under-46 kg category. What makes Kanishka's victory even more remarkable, you know, is that she only joined the CISF Taekwondo team in January 2026. Talk about making an immediate impact! It's truly exciting to see new blood making such a significant splash so quickly. Alongside Kanishka, we also saw Riya, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and another January 2026 joiner, bag a fantastic silver medal in the fiercely contested Under-67 kg category. These newcomers are definitely ones to watch!

Rounding out the incredible medal tally were our bronze medalists, who fought with admirable grit and determination. Ritik from Haryana showcased his strength in the Under-80 kg category, securing a well-earned bronze. And not to be outdone, Pankaj, also from Haryana, powerfully claimed his bronze in the Over-87 kg category. Each of these medals represents countless hours of training, strategic thinking, and sheer will to succeed.

The entire CISF community, and indeed the nation, couldn't be prouder of this team's outstanding performance. This isn't just about medals; it's about the spirit of sportsmanship, the dedication to excellence, and the inspiring example these athletes set for everyone. Their success at the 5th Indian Taekwondo Kyorugi National Championship truly highlights the caliber of talent within the Central Industrial Security Force, and we eagerly await their future triumphs!