Former CoBRA commando strikes gold, 4 yrs after losing foot in anti-Maoist op

Toman Kumar Taram, a former CoBRA commando, clinched a mixed team gold medal at the Para Asian Games in Nagoya, marking another triumph four years after losing his left foot in an IED blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Lohardaga, Jharkhand. CoBRA commando Toman, now a constable with the CRPF, and archer Sheetal Devi, who was born with underdeveloped arms, set a world record of 1,402 points in the qualification round and secured a 151-148 win over Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang.

Toman, 31, credits his recovery and regained confidence to the support of his family and colleagues following the traumatic event. He dedicated the medal to his CRPF colleagues, including constable Rajesh Kumar, who was killed in another anti-Maoist operation. Toman, who joined the CRPF a decade ago, was engaged when the IED blast occurred in February 2022.

He was treated at the National Centre of Divyang Empowerment in Hyderabad where he received a prosthetic foot. Under the guidance of CRPF archery coach Pankaj Singh, Toman transitioned from obstacle to achievement, making his India debut in 2025, winning a bronze medal at the Para World Championships and an individual gold at the same event.

The victory, despite strong winds and balance challenges, marks a significant milestone for Toman, whose family is eagerly awaiting his return to celebrate the achievement.