Over 100 athletes from Leh and Kargil showcased exceptional skills in the Kyorugi and Poomsae categories during the 3rd UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship. Organized by the Ladakh Taekwondo Association (LTA), the event concluded at the Badminton Hall in Baroo, Kargil, on October 27.

Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, served as the chief guest, while Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, was the guest of honor. Advocate Khadim Hussain, Councillor of Baroo, attended as the special guest. Other dignitaries included LTA President Gulzar Hussain Munshi, LTA General Secretary Anayat Ali, SAI Centre Kargil In-charge Ghulam Mustafa, SAI Coach Parveen, along with parents, members, and players of the association.

CEC Dr. Akhoon praised the efforts of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association in organizing this large-scale event and commended its achievements on national and international platforms. He emphasized that promoting sports is a top priority, which is why he retained the sports portfolio within LAHDC Kargil.

Dr. Akhoon announced the recent sanctioning of the Ladakh Sports Council Headquarters for Kargil, reflecting the administration’s commitment to developing sports in the region. He also shared that funds have been approved for the completion of an international-level, all-weather ice hockey rink in Kargil.

In a significant gesture of support, Dr. Akhoon announced a grant of ₹3 lakh for procuring international-standard Taekwondo mats for the LTA. He further revealed that LAHDC Kargil has allocated ₹5 crore for constructing a hostel for specially-abled children and presented a Taekwondo uniform to a specially-abled athlete on behalf of the association.

Tahir Hussain Zubdavi commended the achievements of LTA athletes and assured continued support from the UT Administration. He emphasized the focus on developing sports infrastructure and athlete support to help Ladakhi athletes excel on national and international platforms.

President of LTA, Gulzar Hussain Munshi, submitted a memorandum to the chief guest requesting key support for the association. This included a dedicated Taekwondo training hall in Kargil to provide athletes with a specialized facility for focused training and event hosting, enhanced infrastructure and equipment support, and financial assistance for national and international competitions.

Munshi also highlighted that the association will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, marking the occasion with a grand event to honor its long-standing achievements at the national level.

The chief guest, guest of honor, and other dignitaries distributed medals, mementos, and certificates among players and members.

The 3rd UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship not only showcased the athletic potential in Ladakh but also underscored the need for infrastructure and support to empower local athletes further. The closing ceremony concluded with a promise of future developments, leaving athletes and supporters hopeful for a strengthened Taekwondo presence in the region.