NTA officials and medal winners during felicitation programme in Kohima on September 10. (Morung Photo)
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) today hosted a felicitation programme to honour medal winners from Nagaland at the Seongnam Open International Taekwondo Championship 2025 in South Korea (July 20-21) and the 4th Sub Junior National Taekwondo Championship in Cuttack, Odisha (Aug 28-30).
Addressing the programme at Hotel Japfii, NTA President Pele Khezhie said it was a proud moment for Nagaland and India, noting that out of six participants at Seongnam Open, three secured gold medals. The winners were Vilabizo Nagi (Under 68 kg), Sentimoa Ozukum (Under 56 kg), and P. Athongti (Under 49 kg).
At the 4th Sub Junior National Championship, Nagaland won two gold and one silver medal. Gold went to Sudeh Lamliu (Under 29 kg) and Shiusuthong (Under 35 kg), while Iciheing Ndang (Under 50 kg) claimed silver. Khezhie congratulated the athletes and urged them to pursue higher achievements in future competitions.
He, along with Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, had accompanied the Nagaland team representing India at the Seongnam Open. Khezhie also congratulated Theja Keretsii and Moon Thapa for serving as Taekwondo referees at national and international levels, saying their accomplishments brought recognition to the state.
Highlighting institutional collaboration, Khezhie said NTA had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seongnam Sports University to facilitate global training, exposure, and cooperation. He also recalled meeting Dr. Dongsup Lee, President of Kukkiwon, who appreciated the spirit and potential of the Nagaland team.
The president thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his continued support to youth and sports. The programme also felicitated Visablu Peseyie (NIS) and Tiameren Aier (NIS) for completing the Latest Taekwondo Rules & Regulations Coach License course held from Aug 23-24, 2025, conducted by India Taekwondo.
