This story is from June 6, 2020

Kolkata: Covid-warrior NRS interns win big in virtual Taekwondo event

Two young women interns at NRS Medical College and Hospital (NRMCH), who are among the frontline Covid-19 warriors, have shown that if there is a will there is a way.
Kolkata: Covid-warrior NRS interns win big in virtual Taekwondo event
NRS interns Rituparna Mukherjee and Kaushiki Raman
KOLKATA: Two young women interns at NRS Medical College and Hospital (NRMCH), who are among the frontline Covid-19 warriors, have shown that if there is a will there is a way. Despite their busy schedule during the pandemic, the duo black-belt holders participated in the virtual international Taekwondo championship. Both won bronze medals in their debut international championship.
“I had my performance around 12am on Thursday.
I was a bit nervous as seven judges glared at my moves virtually sitting in the US. But in the end, I won a bronze medal and I am excited,” said Rituparna Mukherjee, an intern in the state government-run hospital. Her fellow intern, Kaushiki Raman, also won a bronze medal.
The duo had to perform poomasae, a set of self-defence and attack moves in front of the judges, who were sitting in Portland.
Life has not been easy for the young medics attached with one of the busiest hospitals in the city. Even though they had extremely busy schedule, they always took out time to practice their Taekwondo moves. Despite the lockdown, the duo has been taking online lessons regularly.
“In fact, during this stressful time, Taekwondo has helped me beat the blues. It has also helped me to maintain a disciplined schedule,” said Raman. Both have been learning martial art for three years.
NRSMC has introduced Taekwondo for medical students and doctors about three years ago to help students with stress management, discipline and self defence.
“We are proud of the two young interns who participated and brought us laurels despite the stress during this pandemic,” said Dwaipayan Biswas, deputy superintendent at NRSMCH. A second dan black belt in Taekwondo and a fitness freak himself. The former Army officer has been encouraging young doctors to take up Taekwondo lessons.

Titled Covid-19 Virtual International Taekwondo Championship, 210 countries are participating in the four-day event that started on Thursday. Of the 10 participants from India, seven are women, including Shivangi Biswas, a 15-year-old Class-X student from Kolkata.
“The two young interns have been very committed to attending online classes despite their busy schedule,” said grand master Pradipta Roy, who has been training the doctors with his wife Ruma Roy Chowdhury.
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