30th state Taekwondo c’ship underway

[caption id="attachment_141468" align="alignleft" width="455"] Parliamentary Secretary for YR&S Khakaho Assumi seen declaring open the first fight of the 30th Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship at IG Stadium, Kohima on September 27.  (EM Images)[/caption] Kohima, Sep. 27 (EMN): The 30th Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship commenced today at Multipurpose Indoor Hall, IG Stadium, Kohima. A total of 173 players from eight districts along with 50 officials are taking part in the two-day tournament which is being organised by the Nagaland Taekwondo Association. The participating districts are Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Longleng, Kiphire, Peren, Wokha and Tuensang. It was informed that three districts including Phek, Zunheboto and Mon failed to turn up for the tournament. The inaugural function was graced by Khakaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, as the chief guest. In his address, Assumi urged the sportspersons to strive with determination in their respective discipline. Stating the importance of sports and co-curricular activities as ‘very essential’, he encouraged the students to involve and partake in sports with all seriousness and commitment. Stating that Nagas have the physical fitness to excel in sports, he said Nagas can do far better than the mainland India if given the required facilities. “Nagas are physically fit. It’s just that we need to hone our skills,” he asserted. Sharing about his past experiences as a Taekwondo player during student days, he advised the students to understand and learn the key components to be a successful sportspersons. To this, he added that it is important for a sportsperson to play with brain and skills rather than his might. The programme was chaired by Xavier Rutsa, while Neitho Kuotsu tendered the vote of thanks. The inaugural function was also attended by NTA president Pele Khezhie, among others. Kohima to have a Taekwondo training hall soon The State capital will soon have a Taekwondo training hall at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. The assurance to this good news was given by the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Khekaho Assumi today while gracing the inaugural function of the 30th Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship at IG Stadium, Kohima. The assurance comes following the proposal given by the Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) to the Director Youth Resources & Sports for construction of a Taekwondo training hall at IG Stadium, Kohima. As per the NTA’s letter, it was learned that the Taekwondo players are presently using the multipurpose indoor hall for daily practice and other activities. However, since the hall is usually shared by the other disciplines, while many a times the hall is being allotted to various important government programmes and events which hampers the regular training sessions of the players, the NTA said. However, with the assurance given by the Parliamentary Secretary today, the construction of a separate Taekwondo training hall is in the offing at IGS complex, Kohima.