The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 gave a green signal to targeted international exposure and specialised coaching support for select athletes in these combat disciplines. At a time when India is looking to broaden its medal base beyond mainline sports such as athletics, shooting and wrestling, this move signals a shift with taekwondo and karate emerging as unexpected focus sports in the country’s high-performance plans.
These approvals were part of the 168th Mission Olympic Cell meeting that saw nearly Rs 1.70 crore worth proposals cleared.
Rodali Barua (Taekwondo)
The first name among key beneficiaries is taekwondo athlete Rodali Barua from Assam, who has been approved to compete in five overseas tournaments with a financial assistance sanctioned of over Rs 21 lakhs. The tournaments will take place across Europe and Oceania in early 2026 and include high-ranking G2-level competitions such as the Bulgaria Open, Slovenia Open and Dutch Open, along with the Oceania Championships. She will also participate in the Mount Everest International Open in Nepal, a recognised G1 event.
Rupa Bayor (Taekwondo)
Another taekwondo beneficiary is Rupa Bayor, currently ranked sixth in the world and first in Asia, who will receive nine months of continuous support covering physiotherapy, massage therapy and strength and conditioning training.
Bhuvneshwari Jadhav (Karate)
Karate too, has entered the spotlight with Bhuvneshwari Jadhav set to participate in three international tournaments across Rome, China and Spain between March and April 2026. She will be training under foreign coach Sulaymon Sharifovich along with a sparring partner in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, all covered under a sanctioned financial assistance.
Alisha Choudhary (Karate)
Another karate athlete Alisha Choudhary, the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, will also compete in events in Rome and China under her coach Vikas’ guidance, backed by sanctioned financial assistance.
Previously, both karate athletes have secured bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Championships in Uzbekistan, strengthening their case for focused investment.
Other Beneficiaries
Other key sportspersons include squash player Anahat Singh, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and para-athletes Varun Bhati and Sandeep Chaudhary.
All eyes will now be on whether this calculated gamble on combat sports translates into podium finishes at the Asian Games 2026.