Phoenix Taekwondo Academy, the overall champion of the second edition of the Zunheboto District Taekwondo (WT) Championship-cum-Selection 2026 held at the Town Hall on July 14. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | July 14
The second edition of the Zunheboto District Taekwondo (WT) championship-cum-selection 2026 was held at the Town Hall on July 14, organised by the Zunheboto District Taekwondo (WT) Association (ZDTA).
The championship witnessed participation from over 71 young taekwondo athletes from across the district and served as the selection trial for the upcoming Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship.
A total of four institutions participated in the event, namely Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Little Spring School, Step By Step School and Phoenix Taekwondo Academy. The athletes competed in various weight and age categories.
Addressing as the guest speaker, Heto N Yeptho, Working President of ZDTA, encouraged the athletes to remain committed and disciplined in their pursuit of excellence. “Taekwondo is more than a competitive sport, it is an art that nurtures self-discipline, perseverance, respect and character,” Yeptho added.
He highlighted the achievements of accomplished Sümi sportspersons who have brought honour to the community through dedication and hard work. Citing taekwondo athlete Xuivi, who later joined the police service, Yeptho said such success stories should inspire young athletes to strive for excellence. He also referred to the achievements of Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sumi, whose accomplishments in athletics, particularly in shot put, have earned recognition and pride for the Sümi community.
He informed that the selected athletes would represent Zunheboto district at the Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship scheduled to be held in Kohima from July 28 to 30.
Speaking to the media after the event, Pika H Yeptho, General Secretary ZDTA and coach Phoenix Taekwondo Academy, said the association was established in 2024 with the objective of promoting young taekwondo athletes from Zunheboto district and raising the district’s standard at the state level.
He said the growth in participation over the past year was encouraging. “During the inaugural district championship, only about 20 athletes competed and 12 were selected to represent Zunheboto at the state championship in Longleng. This year, participation increased significantly, with more than 70 athletes taking part, reflecting the growing interest in taekwondo across the district” he noted.
Pika informed that 45 athletes have been selected to represent Zunheboto district at the upcoming state championship in Kohima.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Sukhai Zhimo, Organising Secretary ZDTA, invocation by Hilotoli Aye, Assistant Pastor, Sector SBCZ, welcome address by Vikheshe Muru GB, Advisor of ZDTA, special presentation by Ghokivi Awomi, and vote of thanks by Hokugha Yeptho, President of ZDTA.
