69th National School Games Taekwondo U-14 Boys Championship concludes in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s Shiuthong clinched the gold medal in the Under-32 kg category, while Keyizieteibe brought pride to the state by securing a bronze medal in the Under-18 kg category at the three-day 69th National School Games Taekwondo U-14 Boys Championship.

The championship, hosted by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, began on October 28 and concluded at K Kire Stadium, IPS Badminton Stadium, Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Thursday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony as the special guest, Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture Salhoutuonuo Kruse said that the event showcased not only the physical excellence of the athletes but also their discipline, determination, and sportsmanship, stating that every participant had already achieved something invaluable.

She added that the tournament was not merely about medals but about discovering potential, building confidence, and cultivating the drive to aim higher.

Also read: 69th National School Games Taekwondo U-14 Boys Championship begins in Chümoukedima

“Taekwondo is more than a sport; it is a discipline that shapes character. The lessons you learn here – discipline in training, composure under pressure, and respect for opponents – are qualities that will serve you in every aspect of life, from education to career and personal growth,” she said.

The minister noted that sports play a vital role in the growth of a nation and that globally, the sports industry is worth over half a trillion dollars, generating employment for millions—from athletes and coaches to event managers, physiotherapists, and sports entrepreneurs.

She further said that in India, there is an unprecedented focus on nurturing talent and building a vibrant sports ecosystem. Initiatives such as Khelo India aim to identify and train young athletes from across the country, providing world-class facilities and scholarships to nurture high-potential athletes and give them the resources to excel internationally.

She mentioned that by engaging in sports like Taekwondo, athletes contribute to the nation’s strength, not only through potential international victories but also by embodying perseverance, teamwork, and resilience—qualities essential for nation-building.

She advised all athletes, coaches, and management that their focus should not end here but that they should aspire to win international medals and bring laurels not only to themselves but also to their state and nation.

“Let us commit to turning potential into podium finishes and to representing the nation with pride, humility, and courage,” she said.

Results:

Under-18 kg category: Sangam Suyog Chavan from Maharashtra clinched the gold medal, while Viratbhai Dineshbhai Gohel from Gujarat took the silver. The bronze medals were secured by Keyizieteibe from Nagaland and Muhammad D Nihal from Kerala.

Under-27 kg category: Chiraj Kumar Basfor from KVS claimed the gold medal, while Soham Gajanan from Maharashtra won the silver. The bronze medals were shared by Lovepreet Singh from Punjab and Ayush Kumar from Bihar.

Under-23 kg category: Rudra Patel from Madhya Pradesh bagged the gold medal, while Aryan Singh from Uttarakhand took the silver. The bronze medals were awarded to Varun Abhishek from Tamil Nadu and Arman Ahmed Salim Ahmed from Maharashtra.

Under-32 kg category: Shiuthong from Nagaland clinched the gold medal, while Akhil Yadav from Jharkhand took the silver. The bronze medals went to Mohammad Abdul Muqsith from Telangana and Yash Prajapati from Uttar Pradesh.

Under-41 kg category: Vinay Sharam, representing CBSE, secured the gold medal, while Harsh from Uttar Pradesh won the silver medal. The bronze medals went to Tawseef Hameed from Jammu and Kashmir and Samiran Gogoi from Assam.

Under-25 kg category: Rop Jyoti Bora from Assam won the gold medal, while Abhay Khadgi from Maharashtra secured the silver medal. The bronze medals went to Arnav Saina from Himachal Pradesh and Mayank Bandari from West Bengal.

Maharashtra emerged as the overall champion of the 69th National School Games Taekwondo U-14 Boys Championship, while Assam finished as the runner-up.