Talcher: When children of his age are busy playing with toys, four-year-old Swapnil Baral is engrossed in the intricate details of martial arts. It is this passion of his which has helped him find a place in the ‘India Book of Records’.
A resident of Nandira colony in this town, Swapnil has brought laurels to not only his native place, but to the entire state by his achievements. His taekwondo skills have made him the cynosure of all eyes.
Swapnil, son of Sushil Kumar Baral, an engineer working at Ananta Colliery, is currently studying at the MCL Kaling a DAV Public School. Other than his studies, he rigorously trains in martial arts at the Talcher Taekwondo Academy under the watchful eyes and guidance of Pramod Kumar Pradhan. The latter is a coach and also the secretary of the Angul District Taekwondo Association.
Swapnil has showcased his talent in a number of district and state-level competitions. He has won quite a few medals including gold. Recently, while participating in a state-level competition, Swapnil became the youngest taekwondo exponent in Odisha to win a gold medal. Prior to that, he had won two more gold medals at a district-level tournament. This remarkable achievement of winning three gold medals at such a tender age has earned him a place in the ‘India Book of Records’.
The organisation has honoured him with a certificate and a medal. Swapnil’s parents are no doubt, very pleased with his achievements. They hope that Swapnil continues to pursue his passion of taekwondo along with his studies. “We hope that he brings glory to the state as well as the country in the future,” they said in unison. Pradhan also termed Swapnil ‘very talented’. He stated that despite his young age, Swapnil is a quick learner which enables him to pick up the difficult moves easily.
PNN