Around 200 young athletes showcase skill and discipline at Shadipora Indoor Stadium
KD NEWS SERVICE
BANDIPORA, Jan 7: The two-day District Bandipora Taekwondo Championship 2025–26 concluded on a vibrant and celebratory note at the Indoor Stadium, Shadipora, Bandipora, marking the successful culmination of an important sporting event aimed at promoting discipline, fitness, and positive engagement among the youth through martial arts.
Organised by the Taekwondo Association of District Bandipora under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Taekwondo Association, the championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 200 boys and girls drawn from various Taekwondo clubs across the district. Competitions were held in multiple age and weight categories, providing a competitive platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, stamina, and technical prowess.
The final day of the championship was marked by thrilling and closely contested bouts, reflecting the rigorous training and dedication of the participants. The competition concluded with an impressive and colourful closing and medal distribution ceremony, which became a moment of pride and joy for the young players, their parents, and coaches.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mohammad Lateef Bhat, Bureau Chief KNS and Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Tehalka, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. Shahzad Saleem and Firdous Ahmad were present as Guests of Honour. The dignitaries lauded the efforts of the organisers and encouraged the athletes to continue pursuing sports with commitment and discipline.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of medals, certificates, and accolades to winners and outstanding performers across different categories. The excitement among the young Taekwondo players was evident as they received their honours, symbolising not only their victories in the championship but also their perseverance, discipline, and passion for the sport. Spectators appreciated the high level of sportsmanship, confidence, and technical skills displayed throughout the event.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasised the significance of Taekwondo as a martial art that fosters physical fitness, mental strength, self-discipline, and self-confidence among children and adolescents. They underlined that such sporting events play a vital role in channelising youthful energy in a constructive direction, helping keep young minds away from drugs and other social evils, while preparing them for higher levels of competition.
The organisers informed that promising and talented athletes identified during the championship will be selected to represent District Bandipora at the forthcoming Union Territory-level Taekwondo Championship scheduled to be held in Jammu later this month. This, they said, would provide greater exposure and competitive experience to local players.
The championship concluded on a note of optimism and inspiration, reaffirming Bandipora’s growing commitment to strengthening sports culture and empowering youth through structured martial arts training, with Taekwondo emerging as a strong pillar of holistic youth development in the district.
