5th UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship opens in Leh, around 200 Players Compete

Secy YSS inaugurates event; PSS electronic sensor scoring system introduced for first time

LEH: The 5th UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship 2026 was inaugurated at the NDS Indoor Stadium in Leh on Sunday, bringing together around 200 players from different districts of Ladakh and introducing the PSS electronic sensor scoring system for the first time at the UT-level competition.

The championship has been organised by the Ladakh Taekwondo Association with the support of Ladakh Police and the Contractor Association Leh Ladakh. Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha inaugurated the championship.

Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Tsering Paldan attended the inaugural ceremony as the Guest of Honour, while renowned Taekwondo personality Master Atul Pangotra was present as the Special Guest.

Among those present were Thenles Namgyail, President, Taxi Union Leh; Stanzin Joldan of Mazda Union; Dr Zohra, gynaecologist; DYSSO Leh Tsering Tashi; President, Ladakh Taekwondo Association, Gulzar Hussain Munshi; General Secretary Anayat Ali; and Vice President, Leh Taekwondo Association, Advocate Tousif Ahmed. Sponsors, coaches, parents, officials and sports enthusiasts also attended the event.

The championship formally got underway with an Under-40 kg Boys Cadet bout in the presence of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

A new feature of this year’s championship is the use of the PSS electronic sensor scoring system, which is being introduced to provide Ladakh’s athletes with exposure to electronic scoring technology used in higher-level Taekwondo competitions.

The system is intended to familiarise players with the precision, operation and scoring mechanism of electronic equipment they are likely to encounter at regional and national competitions.

Addressing the gathering, Bhanu Prabha stressed the need to train athletes on the same technology used in higher-level competitions.

She said the Youth Services and Sports Department had discussed the requirement for electronic sensors and, in line with the Lieutenant Governor’s vision of providing sportspersons with better facilities and infrastructure, efforts would be made to procure at least one set of sensors in the next year’s budget.

The Secretary said the Department, in coordination with the concerned sports association, would also endeavour to provide shortlisted players opportunities to practise on electronic sensors, enabling them to become familiar with the system before participating in higher-level competitions.

Bhanu Prabha also referred to provisions of Ladakh’s recently approved Sports Policy, including financial incentives for sporting achievements and reservation benefits for eligible sportspersons.

She said such measures could help reduce the financial burden associated with training, travel and participation in competitions while encouraging more youngsters to pursue sports.

The Secretary urged parents not to regard sports as a secondary activity and encouraged them to support children who show talent and a genuine interest in sporting disciplines.

She assured continued support from the Administration and referred to Ladakh’s achievements and potential in sports, particularly in Taekwondo and ice hockey.

Around 200 players from different districts of Ladakh are participating in the UT championship after qualifying through their performances in recently held district-level Taekwondo championships.

The competition provides the athletes an opportunity to compete at the UT level, assess themselves against players from other districts, gain competitive experience and work towards participation in higher-level competitions.

The championship has received support from several organisations and 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.

President of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association Gulzar Hussain Munshi expressed gratitude to the UT Administration, Ladakh Police, Contractor Association, sponsors, participating teams, officials, coaches and parents for their cooperation in organising the championship.

Mementoes were also presented to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest, distinguished guests and sponsors in appreciation of their support towards the championship and promotion of Taekwondo in Ladakh.