Margerette Maria Regi – India’s Most Promising Taekwondo medallists
Margerette Maria Regi is one of India’s best Taekwondo medal prospects. The 24-year-old is a five-time national champion who has won two gold medals at the South Asian Games so far, but she is now aiming for the ultimate stage of them all: the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Q1. What is your motivation?
 I believe in myself and I never gave up in any circumstances. I like to face challenges in life . In Taekwondo, I enjoying every seconds and that Happiness were make me double strong.
Q2. What were the struggles that you faced?
Challenges and failures are a part of life and when you are pursuing a combat sport which is not recognized in India, it becomes even more challenging.
I have faced many injuries throughout my career but I’ve never given up. I regard the pain I’ve endured as a motivation to achieve more glory. Injury is a major part of every athlete’s life and it becomes a big hurdle to overcome when the focus is on competing for a major championship. During the preparations of the Asian Games in 2018, I tore my Achilles tendon of the right ankle which forced me to drop out from the World Championship. It was very difficult for me to accept my situation and the doctors suggested that I undergo surgery or wear a plaster for 6 months with complete bed rest.
After consulting many doctors, I began my treatment under Dr. Ajeesh who specializes in Sports Ayurveda and after three months of treatment and rehabilitation I emerged much stronger than before and won the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal. There have been many instances where I could have given up but I always remembered my mother’s face and it gave me strength to face tough situations and achieve my dream.
Q3. How long have you been in this field?
10 years ….
I was first introduced to Taekwondo at the age of 14 at a grassroot level program for finding talent which was conducted by the Taekwondo Association of Kerala. Whenever I practiced Taekwondo, it improved my self-confidence and I found it interesting because of the discipline required to excel at the sport. I also got a lot of support from my family and my coach.
In 2012, I was selected by the Sports Authority of India, LNCPE Trivandrum. The rigorous training has helped me to improve both physically and mentally. Â
Q4. What are your latest achievements?
I’m the All India rank 1st in women Under-67 kg.
Recent , I won gold medal in the final Stop of Champion of Champions National Taekwondo Ranking Competition held at Nasik, Maharashtra which organised by India Taekwondo from 10th to 12th September 2022.
After the COVID-19 , there was less championships and I was selected for Asian qualification round for Tokyo Olympics 2022 and also Asian Taekwondo championships but because of the pandemic situation the India team was cancelled.
Q5. What are your future plans?
I have both short and long term goals. My focus right now is the World Championship and Asian Games 2023. My coach has already set the training plan for the Championship and I’m determined to come back with a medal. My dream is to win more medals for India and hoist the tricolour at the 2024 Paris Olympics and many more.
Q6. Anything special that has to mentioned?
I believe that there are thousands of athletes in every corner of India who have a lot of potential and talent but the lack of opportunities and financial support is stopping them from achieving their dreams. Many national champions are daily wage workers because of the lack of money involved in the sport.
Becoming a champion is difficult, it involves hard work, patience and resilience. I don’t want to get involved in the gender issues but I’ve had to deal with a lot of challenges and negative attitudes from others but I never gave up.
Q7.Your past experiences.
I was a double gold medallist at the South Asian games (2016-2019) and 7 times continuous National Champion (senior & junior). At 16 yrs. made to the quarter finals in Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, Korea securing the position in top 5 in Asian Games and also participated Asian senior championships, World university games and many more Internationals Championships.  Received Award for Best Outstanding Athlete of sports authority of India in the year 2016-17 (Taekwondo).Â
In this all above achievements I really face many Challenges and failures but it’s all are a part of life . It’s didn’t matter about the results what I get … only I always like to do my best and make me myself happiness.
Q8. How many people are their your team who is supporting you for making your dreams true?
The best creator of my life is God who give me this professional.
My coaches, Family , Sponsor, and teammates are some of the most influential people in my career. Also the State Association, Home Department ,SAI and Federation who always supporting me for journey.
They all have been the backbone behind all my victories and have motivated me to overcome many hardships in my life.Â
Specially in this journey Hankuk international school, Spain and MWS (Minutes With Sandeep Academy),Ghaziabad giving a major role of my career.Â
My parents and coach are my greatest supporters and mentors. My mother was also a champion and she wishes that I fulfil her dreams.Â
Q9.Website or any other links.
Instagram ID :
https://instagram.com/margerette.maria?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg=Â
Facebook ID :