At just 18 years old, Tadu Opi has emerged as a promising name in the boxing circuit of Arunachal Pradesh, breaking barriers as the first Apatani female boxer to qualify for the All India Inter University Games. Currently pursuing her B.A. 2nd year in Political Science, Tadu began her boxing journey in 2022 when she and her three cousins joined the Lower Subansiri Amateur Boxing Association “just for fun.” What started casually soon turned into a passion, despite her family’s initial hesitation. They encouraged her to take up football instead, believing it to be safer, and warned that boxing could injure her face. Undeterred, Tadu followed her heart and stepped into the ring.
Her first tournament, the Third Inter Club Championship in March 2023 at Gompa Mandir, Itanagar, was a nervous debut where she clinched bronze in the 48–50 kg category despite being underweight at just 47 kg. Since then, she has competed in multiple tournaments including the 1st Sansad Khel Spardha at RGU (2023), the 4th Jarbom Gamlin State Level Championship at Ziro (Bronze, 2023), the 4th Inter Club at Sange Laden Sports Academy, Itanagar (2024), and the 5th Inter Club at the same venue in August 2025, where she won silver in the 43–46 kg youth category.
Tadu’s proudest milestone came on 18 November 2024, when she was selected for the All India Inter University Games (Nationals) in Punjab, marking history as the first Apatani female boxer to achieve the feat. Despite RGU’s refusal to send female boxers, her coach Gyati Tath ensured she could participate by personally covering her expenses, a gesture she deeply values. Throughout her journey, Tadu recalls her first opponent, Jomo Tok, who broke her nose in her debut fight, leaving a lasting memory of resilience and grit.
The young boxer has faced moments of self-doubt, nearly quitting twice—first after the 4th Inter Club Championship due to an unfair decision, and again during her first year of college when balancing academics and sports felt overwhelming. Yet, her passion kept her moving forward, supported by her family and coaches like Gurung Sir and Gyati Tath.
Looking ahead, Tadu plans to continue boxing while pursuing higher education. She aspires to enroll in a BPED course at RGU or other universities, and if not possible, she will pursue a master’s in Political Science while continuing to box in the name of Lower Subansiri District. Determined and focused, Tadu Opi is not only building her own career but also inspiring many young women of Ziro Valley to believe in their strength and chase their dreams.
