Join us on Mic & Magic with Manan as we sit down with Aruna Tanwar, a true trailblazer in Indian sports. Born with a deformity in both hands and raised in a village in Haryana, Aruna has defied all odds to become a five-time national champion, an Asian Para Games bronze medalist, and the first Taekwondo athlete from India to qualify for the Paralympics.
Currently ranked world number four, Aruna isn't just winning medals; she's changing mindsets and inspiring a nation. In this powerful conversation, Aruna shares her incredible journey of resilience, self-belief, and perseverance. Hear about her toughest Taekwondo fights, including her debut at the Tokyo Paralympics, and how she manages stress and nervousness under immense pressure. Aruna also opens up about the importance of her coaching team, her goals for the future, and how she's making friends even with her opponents on the field.
Discover how Aruna's experience fighting through injury in Tokyo taught her valuable lessons beyond the medal, and what it felt like to represent India at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. She also emphasizes the critical role of video analysis in sports and shares an inspiring story of a young girl, Ekta, who she motivated. Finally, Aruna offers valuable advice on setting clear goals and discusses how the youth and common people can better support para-athletes in India.
This episode is a masterclass in overcoming obstacles and chasing your dreams, perfect for students, young athletes, and anyone seeking motivation through sports.
Guest: Aruna Tanwar - Paralympian, 5-time National Taekwondo Champion, Asian Para Games Medalist.
---
Timestamps:
- 0:44 – Introduction of Aruna Tanwar, a trailblazer in Indian sports.
- 1:25 – Aruna discusses her confidence during her interview with PM Modi.
- 2:18 – Aruna shares her toughest Taekwondo fight, which was at the Tokyo Paralympics.
- 3:51 – Aruna talks about her coaching team.
- 4:40 – Aruna discusses rules in sports and their importance.
- 5:11 – Aruna shares what she likes most about Taekwondo.
- 5:42 – Aruna explains how she handles stressful situations and nervousness.
- 6:38 – Aruna's goal for the current year.
- 7:12 – Aruna talks about making friends during her journey and with opponents.
- 8:01 – Aruna reflects on her experience fighting with an injury in Tokyo.
- 10:38 – Aruna's memories of entering the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- 11:57 – Aruna's perspective on the crowd's enthusiasm.
- 12:37 – Aruna discusses the importance of video analysis in sports.
- 13:44 – Aruna shares an example of inspiring a young girl named Ekta.
- 14:43 – Aruna talks about the best advice she has received regarding clear goals.
- 17:09 – Aruna discusses how youth and common people can support para-athletes.
---
About the Podcast:
Mic & Magic with Manan is a youth-driven podcast hosted by 14-year-old Manan. Each episode features inspiring conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers—exploring the mindset, challenges, and experiences that build champions. Ideal for students, young athletes, and anyone seeking motivation through sports.
---
Follow Mic & Magic on Social:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCV6NNvHywv9lgDC1JWZJg0Q
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mic.and.magic/
X/Twitter - https://x.com/@micandmagic
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@micandmagic
---
Listen to Mic & Magic on:
Youtube/Youtube Music podcasts - https://www.youtube.com/@micandmagicpodcast/podcasts
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/mic-and-magic-with-manan/id1835196806
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1kbEtEA5YS6sES1shYvBJL?si=PwrQdrrcQSCFtmSi8Bi6PQ
JioSaavn - https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/mic-and-magic-with-manan/2/0Rh
---
Leave a Review:
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn or Spotify! Your feedback helps us grow and inspires more amazing stories. Comment below or rate us on your favourite platform—every review counts!