Tamanna’s story starts in the depths of Parwan Province in Afghanistan where her father was born. He saw many things in his life that forged his thoughts on what many women in Afghanistan face - domestic violence, abuse, lack of opportunities, lack of support, and more. He made up his mind to never let this happen to his daughter if he was blessed with one.

When he fathered two girls, he pushed his kids to become physically strong. He trained both the girls in wrestling and eventually took them to Taekwondo classes with the intent of teaching them self defense. This will make sure they can protect themselves - he thought.

Imagine a young petite girl, all of 14 learning Taekwondo moves in the basement of a gymnasium club in Kabul. Merely reaching the club daily is dangerous as a woman in a gym is unheard of. Resultantly, very few women go there. Now imagine this young girl goes on to win 11 Gold medals within Afghanistan and 5 international tournament medals and also ends up participating in the World Championship Tournament. Movies are made of such stories. Ending with a gold medal in hand, the protagonist finally has achieved the ultimate validation needed from the world at large.

But, Tamanna’s story doesn't stop here. It comes to a point where stones are thrown into her house with notes tied to them telling her father to stop sending her to learn Taekwondo. Threats are received to kill family members. Threats to kill her in public if proper attire isn't worn for the sport. The family has to move. They shift cities and towns to feel safe. This is the beginning of an end in some ways. Tamanna’s 6 other teammates decide to flee the country, leaving her alone to defend the titles. She refuses to leave her motherland, home, and family to pursue her dreams - which means killing her dreams. It means safety. It feels needed. She says this is probably the time she has felt the lowest in her life. Giving it all up to buy safety. She has no regrets, she says, but just one - it pains her to know that most people don’t care about the kind of sacrifices one needs to make to live safely, while her heart is set upon bringing pride to her country by winning awards and medals with her superior skills.The braveheart then trains to become a medical doctor having to leave her plans of becoming a world-renowned martial artist despite many years ahead of her in the sport.

Tamanna is now an MBBS working in the gynaecology department in the city of Kabul where she gives her service for free. “I love hearing other women’s stories when they come for check-ups and this keeps me connected to others who have sacrificed a lot”, she says. This is her way to help other women see a different way.

When I asked her if she plans to marry and have children of her own someday, she dismissed the idea - she said - She has a mission, and she is married to that mission. Her life is devoted to the purpose of the higher power.

Tamanna and her father continue to be propagators of teaching women self defense in Afghanistan. True to her name - Tamanna (which means Wish in Urdu/Arabic) she wishes to open an exercise club solely for women someday and pass on the knowledge she has in defending the spirit against all evil.