Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon inaugurated the 15th District Kargil Taekwondo Championship at the Ice Hockey Rink, KSC Sports Stadium, Kargil, on August 22.

ASP Kargil Mohd Ali attended the event as Guest of Honour, while Zonal Education Planning Officer Kargil Aga Syed Yaseen was the Special Guest.
More than 100 players from six affiliated Taekwondo clubs are participating in the championship.

On the occasion, the CEC handed over Taekwondo equipment, including mats and sensor socks worth around ₹5 lakh, to the Ladakh Taekwondo Association. The equipment was provided from the CEC’s untied fund to support the development and promotion of Taekwondo in Ladakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Akhoon appreciated the efforts of the Kargil Taekwondo Association, Ladakh Taekwondo Association and the organising team, led by General Secretary Anayat Ali Shotopa, for promoting Taekwondo across Ladakh and providing young athletes with opportunities to develop their sporting talent.

He said Taekwondo is providing a positive direction to the youth while promoting discipline, confidence, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He appreciated the dedication of the organisers, coaches and players and encouraged young athletes to pursue sports with commitment and determination.

The CEC highlighted the achievements of prominent Taekwondo players from Ladakh, including Shahnaz Parveen, Rinchen Youdol and Tashi Tundup, describing them as inspiring examples of sustained effort and dedication in sports. He expressed hope that more talented athletes from Ladakh would emerge and bring laurels to the Union Territory at national and international levels.

Dr Akhoon also expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, for sanctioning the Sports Policy and four per cent reservation in government jobs for outstanding sportspersons. He described the initiative as a landmark step in Ladakh’s sporting history and an important measure to encourage young talent.

He further appreciated SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav and Ladakh Police for extending support to the tournament. He said sporting initiatives play an important role in channelising the energy of youth towards positive and constructive activities and can contribute to preventing drug abuse.

The inaugural ceremony featured a Taekwondo demonstration and competitive bouts by participating athletes, showcasing their skills and sporting spirit.
Later, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon felicitated Ladakh State Awardees and international Taekwondo players Shahnaz Parveen and Rinchen Youdol for their outstanding achievements and contributions to sports.

General Secretary, Ladakh Taekwondo Association, Anayat Ali Shotopa; President, Kargil Taekwondo Association, Mohammad Hamza; General Secretary Nissar Hussain Balkhani; association members, family members of participating players and a large number of spectators were present on the occasion.