Kargil (The Stellar News): The 15th District Kargil Taekwondo Championship concluded successfully at the Ice Hockey Rink, KSC Sports Stadium, Kargil, with participation of more than 100 young athletes from six affiliated clubs, schools and sports centres across the district.
The championship was organised by the Kargil Taekwondo Association under the aegis of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association, in collaboration with Ladakh Police. The event was supported by Ladakh Tiles, Hotel Zojjila Residency, Himalayan Foods, Kargil Trading Corporation, Hotel Maryul and Zee Enterprises Kargil.
The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from young athletes, including a significant number of girls, reflecting the growing popularity of Taekwondo among the youth of Kargil.
The Overall Winner Trophy was bagged by SAI Centre Kargil, while AITA Kargil secured the First Runner-Up position and GMHS Biathang Shilikchey finished as the Second Runner-Up.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar congratulated the Kargil Taekwondo Association, coaches, officials, participants and parents for the successful conduct of the championship. He appreciated the increasing participation of children from SAI Centre, schools and different clubs and said that the growing interest in Taekwondo was a positive sign for sports development in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed hope that the Association would continue to expand its grassroots base and help more athletes achieve success at the national and international levels. He also informed that sports infrastructure is being developed in Kargil and assured that a dedicated permanent Taekwondo Hall with necessary facilities and qualified coaching support would be provided to facilitate regular training of young athletes.
Superintendent of Police Kargil Nitin Yadav appreciated the efforts of the Taekwondo Association and coaches in identifying and nurturing sporting talent, particularly among children from villages and schools. He observed that despite Taekwondo still being relatively new in several schools, the participation of young athletes demonstrated the immense talent and potential available in Kargil.
SP Kargil encouraged the young athletes to work hard, remain disciplined and competitive and aim for higher levels of achievement. He highlighted the opportunities available to Indian sportspersons at the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and said that dedicated athletes from Kargil can aspire to represent the country at international platforms and bring laurels to the nation.
He also emphasised the importance of greater sponsorship and institutional support for Taekwondo championships and emerging athletes, stating that investment in young sporting talent is an investment in the future of Kargil.
During the closing ceremony, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries distributed trophies, medals and prizes among the winning and participating players, congratulating them for their performances and encouraging them to continue working hard and pursuing excellence in sports.
The speakers highlighted the importance of Taekwondo in promoting discipline, physical fitness, confidence and self-defence among children and youth. The championship also served as an important platform for identifying promising athletes and providing them opportunities to compete at the district, UT, national and international levels.
A strong social message was conveyed throughout the event:
“KICK DRUGS OUT OF LIFE — CHOOSE TAEKWONDO”
The organisers called upon young people to stay away from drug abuse and choose sports, fitness and other healthy and constructive activities. Taekwondo was highlighted as a positive avenue for channelising the energy of youth, building discipline and confidence, and creating opportunities for a healthy and successful future.
The significant participation of girls also reinforced the role of sports in promoting women empowerment and equal opportunities for young athletes.
On the occasion, Inspector Kacho Sadat Ali, SHO Kargil, attended as the Special Guest. Also present were Anayat Ali, General Secretary, Ladakh Taekwondo Association; Mohd Hamza, President, Kargil Taekwondo Association; Nissar Hussain Balkhani, General Secretary, Kargil Taekwondo Association; presidents and members of affiliated Taekwondo clubs, coaches, parents, spectators and participating players.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Special Guest, senior officers of the civil administration and police, coaches, technical officials, participating institutions, parents, sponsors, media persons and all those who extended their support towards the successful conduct of the championship.
The Kargil Taekwondo Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Taekwondo at the grassroots level and creating greater opportunities for young athletes from Kargil to excel at higher competitive levels and bring laurels to Ladakh.
