PUNCHING THROUGH BARRIERS: TAEKWONDO MASTER SHREEPADA R. RAO ON SPORTS, STRUGGLES, AND SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT
TheCconnects: Welcome, Taekwondo Master Rao. It’s an honor to have you with us today. Your career is a fascinating blend of martial arts excellence, sports administration, and humanitarian work. Could you start by telling our readers about your professional journey and how you arrived at your current role?
Shreepada R. Rao: Thank you for having me. My journey into martial arts began at a very young age. I commenced my training in Shito Ryu Karate at the age of nine under the tutelage of Karate Master Subramanya Paarla and Grand Master Thomas in Puttur. By twelve, I transitioned to Shotokan Karate in Belagavi, and at sixteen, I embraced the Olympic discipline of Taekwondo under Taekwondo Master Subhash Yadav. Martial arts, particularly Taekwondo, soon became an integral part of my life, shaping not just my career but my philosophy. In 2012, I established Rao’s Yuva Academy, a premier Taekwondo training institute in Kakati, a rural region of Belagavi District, Karnataka. What started as a passionate initiative has since evolved into an ISO 9001:2015-certified institution. Over time, my role expanded beyond coaching and refereeing to sports administration, collaborating with state and national bodies. Every milestone in my journey has been fuelled by an unwavering passion for sports and a steadfast commitment to empowering young athletes.
TheCconnects: Your journey is indeed inspiring. With such a diverse background, who would you say has influenced you the most, and why?
Shreepada R. Rao: I have had the privilege of learning from numerous mentors, but if I had to single out the most influential figure, it would be my father. His unwavering discipline, moral values, and ethical outlook on life profoundly shaped my approach to Taekwondo and my broader worldview. . The moral values he instilled in me made me discover that martial arts transcend mere physical prowess—it is equally about mental fortitude, integrity, and continual self-improvement. These core values remain the cornerstone of my teachings, which I impart to my students.
TheCconnects: Throughout your career, you’ve faced many challenges. Could you share some of the biggest hurdles you’ve encountered and how you overcame them?
Shreepada R. Rao: Absolutely. One of the most pressing challenges was the initial lack of awareness and recognition of Taekwondo at the grassroots level in my region. Many communities were unfamiliar with the discipline, and introducing it required a great deal of perseverance and advocacy. Even today, a major hurdle persists—the lack of due diligence when selecting a coach or instructor. Unfortunately, many individuals enrol in Taekwondo training without verifying an instructor’s credentials, qualifications, or licensing. Ironically, the same individuals would never consult an unqualified doctor for medical treatment. To address this, I have worked extensively with schools, government bodies, and community leaders to integrate Taekwondo into sports curriculums while educating the public that sports training should be entrusted only to certified professionals. Through workshops and seminars, I continue to drive home this message. Additionally, balancing my career with my passion for sports was a challenge, but my discipline and time management skills enabled me to excel in both spheres. Ultimately, success is a matter of prioritisation, strategic planning, and an unwavering vision.
TheCconnects: Speaking of vision, you’ve been vocal about the role of sports in societal upliftment. Can you explain what Taekwondo and sports mean to you in this context?
Shreepada R. Rao: For me, Taekwondo is far more than just a competitive sport—it’s a vehicle for social transformation. I firmly believe that sports can be a powerful tool for societal upliftment. It teaches values like discipline, respect, resilience, and teamwork, which are essential for personal development and community building. Through our programs and the initiatives of YAKSHIT YUVA FOUNDATION, we have empowered thousands of individuals—from self-defence workshops like “Kick & Shout,” which have benefited over 5,000 people, to creative and wellness initiatives such as “Art Attack” and “A Day with Yoga.” These initiatives not only promote physical fitness but also mental well-being, creativity, and a sense of community among participants.
TheCconnects: That’s an impressive commitment. In your view, what has been the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
Shreepada R. Rao: The most significant lesson is the value of perseverance. Success is not achieved overnight; it’s the result of hard work, consistency, and learning from failures. I’ve also learned that leadership is about empowering others. Whether it’s guiding a young athlete or managing a large-scale sports event, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration is essential. Additionally, I’ve seen firsthand that when you combine passion with purpose, you can overcome almost any obstacle. This principle applies not only in sports but in all walks of life.
TheCconnects: In today’s digital era, what do you think is the biggest challenge for brands, particularly in the sports sector, and how do you see it impacting the industry?
Shreepada R. Rao: The digital landscape presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. One of the biggest issues is authenticity. With so much information available, distinguishing genuine stories from marketing fluff is crucial. In the sports world, fans crave authenticity—real stories of struggle, triumph, and community impact. Brands need to leverage digital platforms not just to promote events or products but to engage in meaningful storytelling that resonates with their audience. It’s about creating a digital presence that mirrors the passion and integrity inherent in sports. At Yakshit Yuva Foundation and through our various initiatives, we strive to share authentic stories and real-life experiences in sports successes, which not only builds trust but also inspires our community.
TheCconnects: That’s a great perspective. How do your services and solutions, like those provided by Rao’s Yuva Academy under Yakshit Yuva Foundation, address the challenges and pain points of your community?
Shreepada R. Rao: Our approach is very holistic. At Rao’s Yuva Academy, we’re not only focused on delivering world-class Taekwondo training to the underprivilaged but also on nurturing the overall development of our students. Our programs emphasize physical conditioning, mental strength, and majorly on ethical values. Meanwhile, through Yakshit Yuva Foundation, we’re able to extend our reach into various social initiatives. For instance, our self-defence workshops empower individuals with the skills and confidence to protect themselves, while our creative contests and wellness programs help in nurturing talent and promoting mental well-being. Essentially, we address both the physical and socio-emotional needs of our community, aiming for a comprehensive upliftment.
TheCconnects: When you’re not immersed in the world of sports and social initiatives, how do you spend your free time?
Shreepada R. Rao: Free time? What’s that? Jokes aside, I am a workaholic and often find myself engaged in Yakshit Yuva Foundation’s various initiatives. However, when I do get a moment to breathe, I unwind by reading—particularly books on leadership, sports psychology, and philosophy. Continuous learning is essential for personal growth. I also practise meditation and yoga, which help me maintain balance in a demanding career. And, of course, spending time with family is an invaluable source of rejuvenation.
TheCconnects: Your journey and vision are truly remarkable. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to make an impact in sports and social entrepreneurship?
Shreepada R. Rao: My advice is simple: be relentless in your pursuit of excellence and never lose sight of your purpose. In the world of sports and social entrepreneurship, it’s not enough to just have a business model—you need a mission that drives every decision you make. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and always be willing to learn. Surround yourself with mentors and a supportive community. And importantly, remember that integrity and passion are your greatest assets. When you lead with your heart and focus on creating value for others, success will follow.
TheCconnects: Your work with Yakshit Yuva Foundation is particularly inspiring. Can you share more about the foundation’s objectives and your vision for its future?
Shreepada R. Rao: Certainly. Yakshit Yuva Foundation was born out of my desire to leverage sports as a catalyst for societal transformation. As the Founding Trustee and Chairman, I oversee initiatives that aim to uplift communities through various programs. Our foundation is not only dedicated to promoting Taekwondo through Rao’s Yuva Academy but also to broader social causes. For example, “Kick & Shout” is our flagship self-defence workshop that empowers thousands, particularly in vulnerable communities. We also run “Art Attack” to spark creativity during challenging times, and “A Day with Yoga” to foster a culture of wellness among families. Looking ahead, my vision is to expand these programs further, reaching more regions and impacting more lives and to have well equipped infrastructure where rural underprivileged could be identified, trained in Taekwondo for free and be fostered to be an ideal citizen of the nation. I truly believe that sports, when harnessed correctly, can be a formidable tool for social change.
TheCconnects: With such a rich tapestry of achievements—be it your induction into various hall of fames, the World Sports Star Award, or the recent INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 for Sports and Social Service—how do you view these recognitions in relation to your overall mission?
Shreepada R. Rao: Awards and recognitions are indeed humbling, and they serve as milestones in my journey. However, I view them not as endpoints but as reminders of the responsibility I carry. Each award, whether it’s being inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame or receiving the INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025, reinforces my commitment to using sports as a medium for societal improvement. They inspire me to push further, innovate, and create more opportunities for youth and communities. Ultimately, these recognitions are a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the community who believe in the transformative power of sports.
TheCconnects: Thank you, Taekwondo Master Rao, for sharing such insightful perspectives on your journey, your initiatives, and your vision for the future. Your work not only inspires those in the world of sports but also ignites hope for societal progress. We wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
Shreepada R. Rao: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure to share my story. I hope that my journey encourages others to believe in the power of passion, perseverance, and the incredible impact sports can have on our lives and society as a whole.
You can connect with Shreepada R. Rao on LinkedIn here
