Kohima: The Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) on Wednesday organised a felicitation programme for medal winners of the Seongnam International Taekwondo Championship held from July 20 to 21, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea.
Speaking at the programme, NTA president Pele Khezhie described the event as a celebration of the achievements and progress of taekwondo in Nagaland. He informed that he, along with the Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, had accompanied the state team, which represented India at the championship.
Khezhie highlighted the contribution of Theja Keretsü and Moon Thapa, who have qualified as referees at both the national and international levels. Their presence in the delegation, he said, added strength and credibility, bringing further recognition to the state.
Out of six participants from Nagaland, three athletes clinched gold medals at the Seongnam championship. The medal winners were Vilabizo Nagi in the under 68 kg category, Sentimoa Ozukum in the under 56 kg category, and P. Athongti in the under 49 kg category.
During the visit, the Nagaland delegation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seongnam Sports University, paving the way for global training opportunities, exposure, and collaboration. Another highlight was a meeting with Dr. Dongsup Lee, President of Kukkiwon, who expressed appreciation for the spirit and potential of the Nagaland team.
Acknowledging government support, Khezhie credited the vision of Director Kethosituo Sekhose and the encouragement of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, whose commitment to youth and sports, he said, has been an inspiration. He urged young athletes to take inspiration from the victories and continue their discipline to bring greater laurels for Nagaland and the country.
Meanwhile, Nagaland athletes also excelled at the 4th Sub-Junior National Taekwondo Championship held from August 28 to 30, 2025, in Cuttack, Odisha. The medal winners were Sudeh Lamlıu in the under 29 kg category with gold, Shiusuthong in the under 35 kg category with gold, and Iciheing Ndang in the under 50 kg category with silver.
The NTA president also congratulated state taekwondo coaches Visabiu Peseyie, NIS, and Tiameren Aier, NIS, for successfully completing the Taekwondo Rules & Regulations Coach License course conducted by India Taekwondo from August 23 to 24, 2025.
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