Know the visionary behind our Success. the "Master" behind the "Stroke"

Yakshit Yuva Foundation is guided by the visionary leadership of its Founder and Hon’ble Chairman, Taekwondo Master Shreepada R. Rao, a nationally respected Sports Administrator, internationally credentialed Taekwondo Master, and distinguished coach whose work exemplifies the convergence of technical excellence, institutional leadership, and public value creation. His leadership has earned international recognition through his induction into the International Hall of Fame (USA) and the Taekwondo Hall of Fame India, alongside prestigious honours such as the World Sports Star Award and the International Icon Award 2025, reflecting his sustained contribution to sport, governance, and social transformation. 

TAEKWONDO CREDENTIALS AND INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

A 4th Dan International Black Belt certified by Kukkiwon, Taekwondo Master Rao holds global licences as a Coach, Referee, and Technical Official under World Taekwondo, Lausanne. He is a World Taekwondo Level II International Coach, having progressed through structured global certification pathways, and has undergone advanced training under internationally benchmarked instructional frameworks, including participation in the World Taekwondo Partnership Programme in South Korea. These credentials position him among a select cadre of Indian professionals aligned with global technical and regulatory standards in Olympic Taekwondo.

JOURNEY AND EVOLUTION IN SPORT

His journey in martial arts commenced at a young age with foundational training in Shito-Ryu and Shotokan Karate, before transitioning into Olympic Taekwondo during his formative years. Demonstrating early competitive excellence, he secured a Gold Medal representing India at the International Beach Combat Games (2019), establishing his credentials on the global stage. Over time, his trajectory evolved from athlete to mentor and system builder, culminating in the establishment of Rao’s Yuva Academy in 2012, which has since emerged as a recognised centre for disciplined training, athlete grooming, and competitive excellence.

ACADEMIC FOUNDATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Academically, Taekwondo Master Rao possesses a robust and interdisciplinary foundation, holding a Master of Physical Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching, both secured with First Class distinction, alongside a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. He is presently pursuing doctoral research in Sports Administration and Governance, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing scholarly understanding of governance frameworks within sport. Complementing his academic credentials are specialised certifications from premier global and national institutions, including the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports and multiple International Olympic Committee programmes in Sports Psychology, Event Management, and Athlete Safeguarding, thereby reinforcing his alignment with global best practices in athlete welfare and sports systems integrity.

 GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

In the domain of sports administration, his leadership portfolio reflects extensive institutional engagement across multiple tiers of governance. He serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Belagavi District Taekwondo Association, and Honorary Chairman of the Udupi District Taekwondo Association, in addition to having previously held the position of Technical Director within the Karnataka Taekwondo Association. Across these roles, he has demonstrated proficiency in regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, programme design, and stakeholder coordination, while consistently advancing principles of transparency, accountability, and athlete-centric governance. His operational leadership spans roles such as Chief Referee, Competition Director, Tournament Director, and Technical Head across national, state, university, and school-level championships, ensuring adherence to technical standards and institutional credibility in competitive sport ecosystems.

 POLICY ENGAGEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE

Beyond administration, his contributions extend into policy and governance reform, where he has actively engaged with national-level consultations, including providing structured inputs to the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024. His recommendations have emphasised systemic accountability, athlete representation, ethical governance, and institutional transparency, positioning him as a credible voice in the evolving discourse on sports governance in India. His international exposure through global forums, including Para Taekwondo and Sports for Peace initiatives, further reinforces his capacity to integrate global standards with domestic policy frameworks.

AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND INSTITUTIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

His contributions have been formally acknowledged by statutory and governmental institutions, including commendation by Rani Channamma University for distinguished service in youth empowerment and sports promotion, and an official recommendation by the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Belagavi, for the National Youth Award, affirming the public credibility and institutional value of his work. These recognitions, coupled with multiple national and international honours, establish a strong foundation of legitimacy across performance, governance, and social impact domains.

STRATEGIC VISION AND SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERSHIP

Under his stewardship, Yakshit Yuva Foundation has evolved into a mission-driven organisation that leverages sport as a strategic instrument for youth empowerment, women’s safety, character development, and social inclusion. Through flagship initiatives, structured training ecosystems, and large-scale community interventions, the Foundation integrates sport with education, leadership development, and civic responsibility, particularly focusing on rural and under-served populations. His approach redefines sport beyond competition, positioning it as a scalable platform for nation-building, behavioural transformation, and inclusive development.