A participant of 1st Poomsae event. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 29
The 36th Kyorugi & 1st Poomsae Nagaland State Taekwondo Championship 2026 -cum- Under- 14 Catch Them Young Tournament commenced on July 29 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima under the aegis of Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) in collaboration with Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland.
Around 500 players including the match officials have registered for this championship, which will continue till July 30.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Krodi Rhetso, Superintendent of Police, Kohima, maintained Taekwondo as “a very discipline form of martial art and sport.”
The discipline which you have learned through the course of your training in Taekwondo may be translated into other areas of your life, in your studies, or in any course of your life that you undertake in the future, he said.
Stating that no one can succeed in life without hard work and discipline, he called upon the players to strive for excellence.
He lauded the NTA and DYRS for their untiring efforts towards the development of Taekwondo in the state.
“I am sure that through this journey, they (Participants) will learn more discipline and excel in the future,” he said and wished them all success in the field of Taekwondo.
Further, Rhetso encouraged the participants to compete with discipline, determination and true sportsmanship.
‘NTA is growing stronger every year’
NTA president Pele Khezhie said that NTA is growing stronger every year, adding that this year's championship has recorded a higher number of participants than the previous State Championship held at Longleng.
“As time progresses, there will be many positive changes and improvements within the Association. Let us all remain united, work together and focus on the growth and development of Taekwondo in Nagaland,” Khezhie said.
He also called upon the players to compete with courage, respect opponents and uphold the true spirit of Taekwondo
He thanked Anthony Ngullie, Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports Department and Kethosituo Sekhose, Director. Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland for extending unwavering support in promoting sports in the state.
He also thanked the Department of Youth Resources & Sports for hosting the recent School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Taekwondo Championship in Nagaland wherein Nagaland players have won 3 medals, namely; Shiuthong (Gold), Keyizieteibe (Bronze) and Sudeh Lamliu (Bronze).
He said that the Department will again host the Under-14 SGFI National Taekwondo Championship in the month of December 2026 and the medal winners from this championship will earn the opportunity to represent Nagaland at the SGFI National Taekwondo Championship.
Khezhie congratulated the medal winners from Nagaland at the recent Meghalaya Open Taekwondo Championship, Sikkim Open International Taekwondo Championship and Kukkiwon Open International Taekwondo Championship.
He also lauded Visabiu Peseyie for being honoured with the Best Coach Award in the Meghalaya Open Championship.
He also expressed happiness that Anirudhr Pandey, Alito Sema and Dzuvichuno Rutsa had officiated the 69th under I7 SGFI in Arunachal Pradesh in 2025.
He informed that NTA sponsored team and participated in the Sub Junior National Championship and the Senior National Championship at Cuttack, Odisha in 2025 wherein three Sub-Junior players from Nagaland, Shiusuthong and Sudeh Lamliu won Gold each while Iciheng Ndang secured silver.
Taekwondo - one of Nagaland’s highest medal – winning disciplines
Sharing greetings, Khriehutuo Tsira, Joint Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland said “This annual championship reflects our shared commitment to identifying, nurturing and inspiring young talents who represent the future of Taekwondo in our state.”
Tsira stated that among the many sporting disciplines in the world of competition, Taekwondo has consistently been one of Nagaland’s highest medal –winning disciplines.
“Its emphasis on discipline, respect, perseverance and self control makes it especially relevant to Naga people and our young generation,” he said.
He said that Nagaland will be hosting Khelo India National School Games Taekwondo Under 14 Championship from December 14- 18 this year.
“This is a proud milestone for our state and a testament to the steady growth and recognition of Taekwondo in Nagaland,” he said.
Earlier, the inaugural function was compered by Vizosienuo Shiiya while Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha, pastor, Peraciezie Baptist Church Kohima invoked God’s blessings.
