Longleng, August 1 (MExN): The team from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) Kohima emerged as the overall champion of the 35th Nagaland Taekwondo Championship held in Longleng, securing 17 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
Dimapur district finished as the first runner-up with 10 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals, while Wokha district claimed the second runner-up position with 10 gold and 10 silver. Longleng district was awarded the Best Discipline Team.
In the individual categories, Anirudra Pandey was named Best Referee, Visazuno Sachu received the Best Female Fighter award, and Vilabizo Nagi was declared Best Male Fighter.
The championship concluded with a valedictory programme at the Multi-purpose Indoor Stadium, Longleng, with Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, attending as valedictory guest.
Sekhose, in his address, noted that the tournament had recorded the highest number of participants so far and described it as “one of the best-organized tournaments in the entire state.” He also stated that “31 indoor stadiums, 20 futsal ground, and 6 football turfs are currently coming up across the state,” and expressed confidence that Longleng district would soon benefit from the state’s ongoing sports infrastructure initiatives.
He remarked that Taekwondo was “not just a sport, but also an avenue for teaching discipline and sharpening the mind,” and said he looked forward to more collaborations to build “a strong sense of discipline and perform at the highest levels.”
The programme featured a special song by M. Phammei Phom, an invocation by Pastor Meren of Ao Baptist Church Longleng, and was chaired by Manngai H. Phom. L.T. Hendok Phom, convener of the organising committee, delivered a word of gratitude.
