Leh (The Stellar News): The three-day 5th UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship 2026 concluded today at NDS Indoor Stadium, Leh, with Kargil District emerging as the Overall Champion, while Leh District secured the Runner-up Trophy. Director General of Police, Ladakh, Anand Jain, IPS, attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, while DIG Altaf Shah was the Guest of Honour.
Advocate Shafi Lasu, Chairman, Ladakh Taekwondo Association, also attended as Guest of Honour. Grand Master Atul Pangotra and Gulzar Hussain Munshi, President, Ladakh Taekwondo Association, attended as Special Guests along with Mohd Ramazan, Executive Member, Contractor Association Leh Ladakh. Among others present were Anayat Ali, General Secretary, Ladakh Taekwondo Association; Mohd Ramazan Khan, President, Leh Taekwondo Association, officials, coaches, parents, players and sports enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, DGP Ladakh Anand Jain appreciated the efforts of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association in promoting Taekwondo across Ladakh over the past decade and engaging young people in constructive and positive activities through sports. He also appreciated the role of parents in encouraging their children to participate in sporting activities. He urged youngsters to take sports seriously, including as a potential profession, and highlighted the role of sporting activities in keeping youth engaged and away from drugs and other social problems.
Around 200 players from different districts of Ladakh participated in the championship following their performances in the recently held district-level Taekwondo championships. The three-day competition provided athletes with a UT-level platform to demonstrate their skills and gain competitive exposure. A major feature of the championship was the use of the PSS electronic sensor scoring system for the first time in the tournament, providing players with exposure to the technology and scoring system used in higher-level Taekwondo competitions.
At the conclusion of the competitions, Kargil District lifted the Overall Championship Trophy, while Leh District was declared Runner-up. The Chief Guest and other dignitaries distributed medals and trophies among the winning players and teams. Mementoes were also presented to guests, sponsors and supporters in recognition of their contribution towards the successful conduct of the championship.
The championship was organised by the Ladakh Taekwondo Association with the support of Ladakh Police and Contractor Association Leh Ladakh. The event was supported by sponsors including Digi Infotech Leh, Ladakh Taxi Operators, Ex-Servicemen Medium Bus Operator, Ladakh Mini Truck Operator, Ladakh Transport Cooperative Society, Ladakh Bus Operators Cooperative Ltd. and FHS Dry Fruits Kargil.
The Ladakh Taekwondo Association expressed gratitude to the Ladakh Administration, Ladakh Police, Contractor Association Leh Ladakh, sponsors, technical officials, coaches, participating teams, parents and volunteers for their cooperation and support in making the championship successful. The championship concluded with a message of promoting sportsmanship, discipline and greater youth participation in sports across Ladakh.
