In the realm of martial arts and sports governance, few figures have demonstrated the depth of commitment, strategic foresight, and societal impact that defines the journey of Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao. As Karnataka’s first World Taekwondo International Coach Level I and a celebrated sports administration expert, he has single-handedly changed the trajectory of Taekwondo and grassroots sports leadership in India.
A Spark Ignited in Puttur
The seeds of his extraordinary journey were planted in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, where a nine-year-old boy began training in Shito Ryu Style Karate. From Karate in Belagavi to discovering his true calling in Taekwondo at sixteen, Master Rao’s martial arts evolution laid the foundation for a career that would bridge international excellence with regional development.
Pioneering Global Recognition
In 2020, Master Rao achieved what no one in Karnataka had before—earning the World Taekwondo Level I International Coach Certification from Lausanne, Switzerland. This milestone not only marked personal glory but turned Karnataka into a center of technical excellence. His subsequent Level II certification in 2024 placed him among an elite class of global Taekwondo coaches, capable of leading teams at the highest levels.
A Scholar of Sports Science and Public Administration
Backed by a formidable academic portfolio, Master Rao is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Sports Administration and Management from East Bridge University, Paris. He holds a Master’s in Physical Education, a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching, and a BA in Public Administration. His certification from the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala, equipped him with advanced competencies in sports physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and conditioning—tools he’s applied throughout his career.
Game-Changing CEO Leadership in Belagavi
From 2018 to 2022, as CEO of the Belagavi District Taekwondo Association, Master Rao led a groundbreaking transformation. His tenure brought in digital innovation, athlete-centric systems, and international-level infrastructure to a regional setup. Under his leadership, satellite training centers were introduced in rural zones, while school-level outreach programs drastically expanded participation in Taekwondo across demographics.
His reforms introduced transparency in selection processes, professionalism in administration, and a roadmap for replicable district-level sports governance.
Institution Building: From Academy to Championship Platforms
With the foundation of Rao’s Yuva Academy in 2012 at Kakati Village, Master Rao created a grassroots engine for change. Focused on holistic development, the academy continues to nurture youth from underserved communities, providing them not only Taekwondo training but life skills and ethical grounding.
He also established landmark events like the Karavali and Konkan Taekwondo Championships, instrumental in expanding the sport’s reach across Karnataka and Maharashtra.
International Platforms and Forums
In 2023, his selection for the World Taekwondo Partnership Programme and advanced instructor training in South Korea further enhanced his global stature. Representing India at the World Para Taekwondo Workshop and the University Sports and Peace Forum in 2021 demonstrated his vision of sport as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and diplomacy.
Recognitions and Prestigious Accolades
Master Rao’s achievements have been recognised globally. In 2022, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the World Sports Martial Arts Council, USA, and later into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India. He received the INTERNATIONAL ICON AWARD 2025 for his twin contributions to sports administration and social service—affirming his dual identity as a high-performance coach and social change-maker.
Empowering Communities Through Yakshit Yuva Foundation
As the Founding Trustee and Chairman of Yakshit Yuva Foundation, Master Rao has blended sports with social upliftment. The “Kick & Shout” self-defence initiative has empowered thousands of women and girls across Karnataka, offering safety, strength, and confidence through martial arts.
His collaboration with Rani Channamma University to formally include Taekwondo in its curriculum signifies a pioneering move to embed martial arts in mainstream education.
Master Official and Mentor of Champions
Certified as a National Referee Class II, Master Rao has officiated in numerous prestigious events, including CBSE South Zone Championships and Karnataka State Taekwondo Championships. His technical leadership in roles such as Head of Operations and Tournament Director reflects unmatched professionalism.
As a coach, his holistic methods—focusing on mind, body, discipline, and integrity—have created champions who carry both medals and morals.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Master Shreepada R. Rao continues to inspire athletes, administrators, and educators alike. With an eye on expanding Taekwondo’s role in global education and local empowerment, he stands as a symbol of how sport can uplift not only individuals but entire communities.
From the classrooms of East Bridge University to the training mats of Kakati, his influence ripples through every level of India’s sports ecosystem. A master in every sense, Shreepada R. Rao’s name will remain synonymous with transformation, service, and excellence in the annals of Indian sports history.
