Nepal’s Sushma Shrestha Clinches Gold at 20th Wata Open International Taekwondo Tournament 2024 in Osaka, Japan
In a momentous victory for Nepal, Sushma Shrestha emerged triumphant with a gold medal at the 20th Wata Open International Taekwondo Tournament 2024, held in Osaka, Japan. Competing in the under 62 kg weight category, Sushma showcased her prowess and determination, ultimately securing the championship title.
The tournament, which took place at Ohama Stadium in Sakai, witnessed Nepal’s athletes shine on the international stage, clinching a total of 11 medals. Alongside Sushma’s gold medal-winning performance, the Nepali contingent claimed six silver medals and four bronze medals, showcasing their exceptional talent and skill.
In a thrilling final match, Sushma faced off against Japan’s Umekawa Ayumi, delivering a stellar performance to secure victory with a score of 12–9, 3–0. Her strategic gameplay and technical proficiency propelled her to the top of the podium, earning her well-deserved accolades.
Despite facing formidable opponents, Nepal’s athletes demonstrated resilience and tenacity throughout the tournament. Sag gold medalist Bir Bahadur Mahara showcased his prowess but was ultimately awarded silver after a closely contested match against Japan’s Takato Kato.
Similarly, athletes including Shrikrishna Khadka, Niraj Deuba, Shani Rana Magar, Rahul Kumal, and Raunak Giri showcased their talent by clinching silver medals in their respective categories, further highlighting Nepal’s strong presence on the international taekwondo circuit.
Expressing her joy and pride, Vidya Rai, coach of the Nepal women’s team, lauded Sushma’s gold medal-winning performance and commended her for employing a technical approach to overcome her Japanese opponent. The victory not only signifies individual achievement but also underscores Nepal’s growing prominence in the global taekwondo community.
As Nepal celebrates this historic triumph, the success of Sushma Shrestha and her fellow athletes serves as a testament to their dedication, skill, and determination to excel on the international stage. Their achievements inspire aspiring athletes across the nation and reaffirm Nepal’s position as a rising force in the world of taekwondo.
