Kargil to get dedicated Taekwondo Hall, DC assures Athletes
KARGIL: The 15th District Kargil Taekwondo Championship concluded at the Ice Hockey Rink of KSC Sports Stadium with more than 100 young athletes from six affiliated clubs, schools and sports centres competing in the district-level event.
Organised by the Kargil Taekwondo Association under the aegis of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association in collaboration with Ladakh Police, the championship brought together young players from across the district, including a strong participation of girls.
SAI Centre Kargil emerged as the overall winner, while AITA Kargil secured the first runner-up position and Government Middle Higher School Biathang Shilikchey finished second runner-up.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, who addressed the closing ceremony, congratulated the organisers, coaches, officials, athletes and parents for conducting the championship. He said the growing participation of children from schools, the SAI Centre and different clubs reflected increasing interest in Taekwondo in the district.
Kumar said the administration was developing sports infrastructure in Kargil and assured that a dedicated permanent Taekwondo Hall equipped with necessary facilities and qualified coaching support would be provided to facilitate regular training.
He also urged the association to expand its grassroots base and create opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels.
Superintendent of Police Kargil Nitin Yadav appreciated the association and coaches for identifying and nurturing sporting talent, particularly among children from villages and schools. He said the participation of young athletes despite Taekwondo being relatively new in several schools demonstrated the talent available in the district.
Yadav encouraged the players to maintain discipline, work hard and aim for higher levels of competition. Referring to opportunities at the Olympic, Asian and Commonwealth Games, he said athletes from Kargil could aspire to represent India at international platforms.
The SP also called for greater sponsorship and institutional support for Taekwondo championships and emerging athletes, saying investment in young sporting talent would contribute to the future of Kargil.
Trophies, medals and prizes were distributed among the winners and participating athletes during the closing ceremony.
The championship also carried an anti-drug message, with organisers urging young people to stay away from drug abuse and opt for sports, fitness and other constructive activities. The message, “Kick Drugs Out of Life — Choose Taekwondo,” was used to underline the role of sport in channelising youthful energy and fostering discipline and confidence.
The participation of girls was also highlighted as an indication of expanding opportunities for young female athletes in the district.
Inspector Kacho Sadat Ali, SHO Kargil, attended the ceremony as special guest. Anayat Ali, General Secretary, Ladakh Taekwondo Association; Mohd Hamza, President, Kargil Taekwondo Association; Nissar Hussain Balkhani, General Secretary, Kargil Taekwondo Association; representatives of affiliated clubs, coaches, technical officials, parents, spectators and players were also present.
The championship was supported by Ladakh Tiles, Hotel Zojjila Residency, Himalayan Foods, Kargil Trading Corporation, Hotel Maryul and Zee Enterprises Kargil.
The Kargil Taekwondo Association said it would continue efforts to expand Taekwondo at the grassroots level and provide athletes from the district with greater opportunities to compete at higher levels.
