A 12-year-old Oldham taekwondo athlete has been selected to represent Great Britain and compete in a weight category she has never fought in before.
Inayah Tamoor won a bronze medal in the Portugal Open on 25 July and is overjoyed at being picked by British Taekwondo to compete between 26 and 28 November in the 2026 European Cadet Taekwondo Championships in Romania.
She secured bronze in Portugal after narrowly losing to an Italian opponent in the semi-final—a result that left her believing gold had been within her reach.
However, Inayah has not been selected for the European competition in her natural -37kg category which was taken by an athlete who has more experience.
British Taekwondo recognised Inayah’s consistency and outstanding performances throughout the season in the - 37 category.
As a result, they have selected her to compete in the - 41kg division at the Championships.
“We’ve been training hard because just before the European championships we have the nationals. We train for about three hours five days a week,” she said. “Training is intense and hard, but I find it to be fun.”
The year seven pupil has a great academic record alongside her physical training and wants to be a detective when she grows up.
She said she has faith in God and has a rigorous timetable which includes praying five times a day including the pre-dawn prayer. To relax, she likes watching Netflix and playing football with her cousins.
Her proud mum, Zenat Maqsood, said: “She is always on the go from waking up in the morning. She is a responsible girl, and she will sort her own food out when I am at work. She also looks after her little sister. Her father has a disability, so she sometimes helps him too.
“I know she has a lot on her shoulders, but she copes well. From morning till night, she is busy. I make sure her clothes are ready, but some things she does herself.
“Originally, Taekwondo was an activity to keep her busy until I saw her progress. After seeing her progress, I have spoken to many family members who supported me in my decision to allow her to keep fighting.”
Coach Rooji, who has trained her since 2018, said: “British taekwondo must have seen something in her and put her in a weight division in which she has never fought before rather than picking a more experienced fighter.”
He added that he believes that Inayah has the potential to become world champion.
Representing Great Britain comes with significant costs, and Inayah’s club, APEX, is aiming to help raise over £1,200 to support her journey to Romania. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
Donate here:
https://gofund.me/44280532f
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