Hansika Singh - From Taekwondo Champion to Model (Model & Athlete, 97k Followers)

"I joined taekwondo just to skip my school’s morning assembly—winning 15 national titles was never the plan!"

1. What’s the story behind your first taekwondo class? Did you ever imagine it would lead to 15 national titles?

My first taekwondo class was completely unplanned. I joined it simply to escape the long morning assembly at school! I had no idea what taekwondo was, let alone that it was an Olympic sport. Initially, I was just looking to learn some self-defense, with no plans of competing. Winning 15 national titles was never on my radar back then, but as I started enjoying the sport, my dedication grew, and the journey took a natural course.

2. Winning a state-level gold within three months of training is phenomenal. What was going through your mind at that moment?

It was an unbelievable experience, and I owe it to my first coach, Mr. Janardan Yadav. He saw potential in me from day one and trained me alongside his top athletes. I was determined, training every evening after school. Standing on that podium with a gold medal felt surreal, and what made it even more special was winning my first national gold later that same year. It was the beginning of a journey I never saw coming.

3. Balancing academics and rigorous training must have been tough. Did you ever think of quitting?

There were definitely moments of exhaustion—waking up early for training, attending school, and then heading back for evening practice was draining. But quitting was never an option because I had a strong support system. My coach and family kept me motivated, and my love for taekwondo made it all worthwhile. Every drop of sweat was a step closer to my goals, and the vision of representing my country kept me going.

4. You’ve represented India internationally. What’s your most memorable moment from Kazakhstan or Korea?

Korea was my first international championship, and though I didn’t win a medal, competing against the best in my category was an eye-opening experience. Kazakhstan, however, was unforgettable because I won a silver medal for India in 2017. Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was an emotional moment—proof that years of hard work and sacrifice had paid off.

5. From the mat to the camera—how did modeling become part of your journey? Do you plan to continue it alongside taekwondo?

Modeling happened organically. While training, I started sharing my fitness journey on social media, and brands took notice. What began as a simple way to document my passion turned into brand collaborations and modeling opportunities. Due to injuries, I’ve stepped away from professional taekwondo, but my passion for fitness remains strong. I’m now exploring content creation and modeling, using the discipline taekwondo instilled in me.

6. You’ve achieved so much in taekwondo. What’s next—coaching, championships, or perhaps starting a taekwondo school?

My journey in taekwondo is evolving. While I’m no longer competing professionally, I want to stay connected to the sport. Coaching is something I’m considering—I’d love to mentor young athletes, helping them navigate challenges and reach their full potential.

7. Who has been your biggest inspiration, personally and professionally?

My first coach, Mr. Janardan Yadav, played a huge role in shaping my journey. He saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized and taught me the values of hard work and perseverance. My brother, Shyamak, is another inspiration—he made sacrifices for my career, always putting my dreams before his own. Professionally, I admire people who rise above adversity to achieve greatness, and their resilience keeps me motivated.

8. We know about your dedication to sports, but what about personal life? Are wedding bells on the horizon?

I’m only 23, and right now, my focus is entirely on my career and personal growth. I love traveling and want to explore new opportunities, including acting. Marriage isn’t on my mind at all—I’m fully invested in building the future I envision for myself.

Bio:

Hansika Singh is a distinguished Taekwondo champion with 15 national titles and international accolades, including a silver medal at the 2017 Kazakhstan Championship. What started as a casual attempt to skip school assemblies soon turned into a remarkable journey fueled by talent and determination. Beyond the mat, she has carved a niche in modeling and fitness content creation, using her platform to inspire and empower others. While injuries have led her to step away from professional competition, Hansika remains deeply connected to the sport through coaching and continues to explore new avenues in fitness, content creation, and acting.

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Interviewed by: Insiya Nulwala

Edited by: Shantanu Singh