The 4th Faith in Action Taekwondo Championship was held successfully in the State Badminton Indoor Stadium, Dimapur on October 7 and 8 under the theme “Excel through Taekwondo”. The presence and participation of Korean Grand Master Seong Kuk Jeong, 7th Dan, Black Belt from Kukkiwon, South Korea was the highlight of the two days event. Grand Master Seong Kuk Geong was the chief technical chairman and special guest in the Championship. Extract of an interview with Grand Master Seong Kuk Geong where he talks about his first impression in coming to Nagaland and his Taekwondo experience: Grand Master, tell us in brief your experience about Nagaland during your brief stay. GM: I have come to Nagaland for the 4th faith in action taekwondo tournament as a special guest. While I was there, I had Nagaland's food and it was very good and spicy as Korean food. Coming to Taekwondo, could you kindly cite reasons for the global popularity of this Korean martial arts? Is it because of the beautiful style of the sport or is it due to other reasons? GM: There are several reasons why taekwondo is popular. First, most of the kicks and punches are fairly linear and flashy skills that most people like. Another reason for this is gathering people as they respect each other. How many Taekwondo schools are there in Korea? To what extend is the Korean Government involved in sustaining the sport? GM: There are around 2000 schools involving elementary school, middle school and high school. Government supports the schools to teach children to become professional. In your country, is Taekwondo a serious professional activity or more of a hobby? GM: Many children learn for the health and hobby. But some of them learn to become players or teachers. As a GM, please give us your frank opinion on the standard of this sport in Nagaland as you saw it in the tournament. GM: They are very courageous but they need to learn professional techniques. As a Korean with almost complete dominance over the sport in the Olympics, what are the necessary ingredients to excel in this sport? GM: Technical systems, professional coaches and lots of experiences of players. Did you notice any Olympic prospects among the players in the recent 2 day tournament? GM: I have found some of them are good and have good physical bodies and techniques. On the physical aspect, Nagas are more or less similar with Koreans; however, did you notice any peculiar Naga trait or temperament which may help - or even undo us in the sport? GM: They are quick and flexible. Thank you so much for your precious time. Any last word for the future stars? GM: I want to produce Indian Olympic players. I want to introduce taekwondo to many Indians and teach them. Finally I want Indians taekwondo to be same level with other countries and be better than them.
