Kohima, April 21 (EMN): The Sports Academy IG stadium, Kohima in Taekwondo discipline caters 30 students and this year, the academy representing Nagaland Taekwondo team has won two medals (one bronze and one silver) at Khelo India that was held at Chennai in January.
The 34th National Sub-Junior Taekwondo championship that was supposed to be held in November last year was postponed since it has yet to avail clearance from the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI).
According to State Taekwondo coach, Visabeiu Peseyie the dates were yet to be confirmed but there is hope that the championship will take place in Kohima.
Recently he told Eastern Mirror that Nagas have the potential to shine in Taekwondo. “It is in our blood and there is prospect for medals in Asian games or even Olympics if the players are given proper attention”.
He also spoke about the importance of giving priority to grassroots level, while lamenting that the students tend to leave the sport while still young. “They leave the academy because they have to look after themselves and not just keep in training,” lamented Peseyie.
He said that there was no support from the public even if the players bag medals in national level tournaments. He shared that the players who win medals should be given assurance when they go back home (like the other states) ‘for future growth’.
The coach said that the 1st All India Police Judo Cluster Championship was held in West Bengal last year which would provide a boost to the players to join the police force but suggested that the training should be given to players at the academy after recruitment so they are properly groomed.
“Nagaland depends on government jobs alone, so with job assurance or means of support or some rich people sponsoring the players who wins medal at a national level in a way to earn their livelihood, this could be a huge scope for Nagaland to get more medal afterwards”, he suggested.
Self-defence training
for girls
Under the initiative of the department of Education, class 9-10 girl students of government schools from different districts would be taught self-defence techniques, starting next month.
51 Taekwondo coaches are currently attending a three-day RMSA Nagaland seminar and refreshers course under RMSA self-defence training. The course, commenced on Wednesday, is being organised by Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA).
