Kargil, Aug 27 (KNO): The 4th Ladakh Taekwondo Training Programme concluded at the Indoor Stadium Shargole.
Organised by the Shargole Taekwondo Association under the Ladakh Taekwondo Association's aegis and in collaboration with the Kargil Taekwondo Association, the seven-day intensive training camp attracted over 84 students from various schools across the region.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the camp featured specialised training from Tashi Tundup, a State Awardee and International Taekwondo Player. Tundup's expertise and commitment provided the participants with advanced skills and a deeper understanding of Taekwondo, inspiring them to achieve higher levels in the sport.
Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, the newly appointed Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports for the Union Territory of Ladakh, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. In his address, Zubdavi praised Tashi Tundup for his dedication to the community and his role in cultivating the next generation of Taekwondo talent in Ladakh.
He said the government is committed to developing sports infrastructure and supporting individual athletes in the region. Zubdavi assured the athletes of the government's full support in their athletic endeavours and called for active community participation to further elevate the sports sector in Ladakh.
"Taekwondo has brought immense pride to Ladakh at both national and international levels. Despite our small population, we have produced many accomplished athletes, including international players and state awardees. The achievements in this Olympic sport are a testament to the potential within our community," he said.
Zubdavi also announced plans to meet with various sports associations to develop strategies for enhancing the sports sector in Ladakh, benefitting players across the region.
Anayat Ali Shotopa, the General Secretary of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association, said the association has achieved milestones since its inception in 1999.
"The Ladakh Taekwondo Association is the first sports organisation in the region with over 100 Black Belts, including 40 women, dozens of international and national players, two Sher-e-Kashmir Awardees, two State Awardees from UT Ladakh, one International Referee, and 15 Professional National Referees. This is a remarkable achievement for an association dedicated to the development of sports in Ladakh," he remarked.
During the ceremony, Tahir Zubdavi distributed certificates and mementoes to the participants and officials for their "hard work" and "dedication".
The Ladakh Taekwondo Association also honoured Tashi Tundup's mother for her "invaluable support in nurturing such a distinguished athlete".
Mohammad Ali Chandan, President of the BJP Kargil and the Shargole Taekwondo Association, presented a traditional Khatak to Tahir Hussain Zubdavi on behalf of all sports associations in Ladakh and congratulated him on his new role—(KNO)