Lalmonirhat: Santana Rani Roy, a resident of Lalmonirhat, has earned significant recognition in Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art known for its systematic and scientific approach to self-defense. Santana has achieved remarkable success, securing 14 medals in various competitions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Santana grew up in a poor family in Haridas village, facing financial challenges from an early age. Despite these hardships, she worked as a house tutor to support the education of her younger siblings. Although many of her dreams were initially unfulfilled, she aspired to make a mark for herself and contribute to her country and its people.
To realize her ambitions, Santana learned Taekwondo, which brought her national and international acclaim. She has not only achieved personal success but also began teaching self-defense tactics to other girls. "Many students also achieved gold, silver, and bronze medals for Taekwondo," Santana mentioned, highlighting her role as a role model for many girls across the country.
Her father, Subash Chandra Roy, is a farmer, and her mother, Jamuna Rani Roy, is a housewife who volunteered in mass education activities. Santana learned yoga from her mother, which laid the foundation for her martial arts training. As the eldest among two sisters and a brother, Santana has won 14 medals, including 10 golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, between 2011 and 2020.
Santana's dedication led her to establish the Lalmonirhat Taekwondo Association (LTA), where her students have collectively won 46 medals in various competitions. Recognizing her contributions, the government awarded her a prestigious youth award in 2018 for her role as the director of LTA.
Santana expressed that the award motivated her to further support the youth. The LTA actively encourages young people, with many assisting her in her endeavors. She received her initial training at Rangpur Government College in 2005 and later trained with the Taekwondo Association of Rajshahi and the Central Taekwondo Association of Dhaka, achieving her first Dan in 2011 and second Dan in 2018.
Bangladesh International Taekwondo Association Secretary General, Master Solaiman Sikder, who trained Santana, remarked, "She would become the best coach in the country if she gets proper environment and assistance."
Beyond Taekwondo, Santana also founded 'Santona Handicrafts,' an organization providing handicraft training to distressed women in her area, further contributing to her community's empowerment.