In a significant development for the Taekwondo community in Ladakh, Nissar Hussain Balkhani, a senior Taekwondo player and the founder of Taekwondo in Ladakh, has joined forces with India Taekwondo. This collaboration aims to promote the sport and elevate its status on the international stage.
Balkhani expressed his admiration for the efforts of India Taekwondo in promoting the game and ensuring its recognition globally. He thanked President Namdev Shirgaonkar for his outreach to Taekwondo enthusiasts in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as for the organization’s player-centric approach.
During a special meeting in Jammu, Namdev Shirgaonkar assured full support for Taekwondo players in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the less populated and geographically scattered region, promising special attention from the national body. “India Taekwondo will always support the Taekwondo community in Ladakh,” Shirgaonkar affirmed.
In a noteworthy announcement, Shirgaonkar revealed plans to host a national-level Taekwondo event in Ladakh, which is expected to boost the region’s tourism sector. He praised the achievements of Ladakh’s Taekwondo athletes, including four state awards and numerous international players, and pledged to work towards expanding and promoting Taekwondo in the region.
Balkhani thanked Shirgaonkar for his visionary leadership and unparalleled commitment to supporting Taekwondo in Ladakh. He presented special mementos and a souvenir commemorating the silver jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas to Shirgaonkar as a token of appreciation.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards nurturing talent and promoting sports in Ladakh, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and excellence within the Taekwondo community. The partnership between Balkhani and India Taekwondo is poised to pave the way for greater achievements and inspire the next generation of athletes in the region.