A group photo of the 1st Taekwondo (WT) Championship-cum-Selection 2025 Held in Zunheboto on July 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | July 16
The first-ever Taekwondo (WT) Championship-cum-Selection 2025 was successfully held on July 16 at Badminton Stadium, Zunheboto District, drawing enthusiastic participation and community support. The event was organized by the Zunheboto District Taekwondo Association (ZDTA)
to select candidates who will represent the district at the upcoming State Championship Tournament, scheduled to be held in Longleng District from July 29 to 31.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, graced the occasion as the chief Speaker. Addressing the gathering, he stated, “It is important for me to attend and support such initiatives.
Sports, especially disciplines like Taekwondo, demand energy, focus, dedication, and discipline. It is a combat sport where injuries are common, yet it builds resilience and character.”
He further expressed appreciation for the dedication and talent of the participants and commended ZDTA for its efforts in promoting Taekwondo in the district. “Taekwondo is not just a sport; it fosters discipline and responsibility among youth. Programs like these deserve greater encouragement, and we will ensure that they receive the required support and funding from the State Government,” he assured.
Heoshe Yeptho, Technical Director of ZDTA, who has over a decade of experience in Taekwondo, delivered a briefing on the sport’s growth in the district. He recalled that Nagaland had hosted an Olympic (Taekwondo) event in 2023, in which Zunheboto could not participate as Zunheboto Taekwondo was not recognized at the time.
He emphasized that the primary objective of organizing the championship in Zunheboto was to select participants for the upcoming state-level competition. He called for greater focus on sports development in the district, highlighting the potential of Taekwondo in promoting physical fitness and discipline.
Hokugha Yeptho, President of ZDTA, delivered the vote of thanks. Special thanks were extended to K Tokugha Sukhalu, Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, for his contributions to the association.
He also acknowledged the generous support both physical and financial provided by the local community, which played a crucial role in making the event a success. On behalf of the people of Zunheboto, he praised Heoshe Yeptho for his dedicated efforts, despite being a resident of Dimapur, and thanked him for his unwavering commitment to the development of Taekwondo in the district.
Encouraging more youth to join the sport, Hokugha stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle, He further urged people of all ages and genders to take part in Taekwondo, citing its numerous health benefits.
He concluded by noting that Zunheboto District is 34 years behind in Taekwondo development. He also extended his gratitude to a group of young performers from Dimapur who showcased an impressive Taekwondo demonstration during the event.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Tavinto K. Sumi, followed by an opening prayer by Nupato Zhimo, Assistant Youth Leader of ZTSBC. The tournament was officially declared open by the Deputy Commissioner.
