MARGAO
The Taekwondo Association of Goa organised the 31st Goa State Kyorugi Taekwondo Championship and the 11th Goa State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship at the Indoor Stadium, Ponda Sports Complex, recently.
The championships were held for Sub-Junior boys and girls in 14 weight categories, along with Mini Sub-Junior boys and girls in seven categories. Athletes from 15 affiliated Taekwondo clubs across Goa, as well as trainees from Government Regional Training Centres, participated in the event.
A total of 284 athletes competed in the Kyorugi (combat) events, while 25 athletes took part in the Poomsae (forms) competition. The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation and a high level of discipline among the young players, highlighting the steady growth of Taekwondo in the state.
The gold medal winners from each weight category will represent Goa at the National Taekwondo Championship, scheduled to be held in Delhi later this month.
In the Sub-Junior boys category, Bhavani Club, Vasco secured first place, followed by LOS School of Taekwondo, Margao in second place and RCC Ponda in third place. In the Sub-Junior girls category, UTC Club emerged champions, with LOS School of Taekwondo, Margao finishing second and Glow Academy securing third place.
The Chief Guest, Durga Rao, Deputy Director, Sports Authority of India, praised the efforts of the Taekwondo Association of Goa and encouraged the young athletes to continue their commitment to the sport.
All coaches who have contributed to the promotion and development of Taekwondo in Goa were felicitated during the event. The programme was presided over by the President of the Taekwondo Association of Goa, Navin Pai Raikar, while the vote of thanks was proposed by the Secretary General, Rajan Naik.
The championship was coordinated by senior Taekwondo player P Anand, a former gold medallist at the National Games and Lusofonia Games. Referees from Maharashtra and Karnataka officiated the competition, with International Referee Navin Chandra serving as the Director of Competition and Head of the Technical Team.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all participating clubs, coaches, officials, parents and supporters for the successful conduct of the championship.
