They cannot hear the cheers of the crowd, nor can they speak to express their excitement. But at the Raigad Global Cup Taekwondo Championship 2026, their actions spoke louder than any words.
Four students from Hyderabad’s ‘Ideal School for the Disabled’ have become the talk of the town after bagging Gold Medals and proving that physical challenges are no match for nerves of steel.
In a sport like Taekwondo, where split-second cues and coaches’ shouts are vital, these four youngsters – Muhammad Abrar (Class 7), Sd Maaz (Class 6), Ayaan (Class 7), and SayyidaNurjahan (Class 9) – played a different game.
Since they couldn’t hear the referee or their coach, they trained themselves to read the “body language” of their opponents. By watching the eyes and the slight movement of the feet, they predicted attacks and countered with lightning speed. Their focus was so intense that even the loudest cheers in the stadium couldn’t distract them.
The Ideal School, which provides free education and medical aid to hearing-impaired and mentally challenged kids, was buzzing with joy. School Secretary Naveed-ur-Rahman and IICD Chairman Dr. Mubashir Ahmed expressed immense pride in the students’ success.“We aim to show the world that these children are second to none,” Rahman noted, visibly moved by the achievement.
Trained by their dedicated coach, Mr. Irfan, the golden quartet has now qualified for the International Championship.