Inter-zonal district Taekwondo tournament kicks off in Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Jun 2: The Inter-Zonal District Level Taekwondo Tournament for U-14 and U-17 boys and girls began with great enthusiasm in Kishtwar on Monday, with Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan inaugurating the event at the Indoor Hall of Government Higher Secondary School Boys.

The tournament is being conducted by the Department of Youth Services & Sports Kishtwar under the overall direction of the Director General YSS J&K, Rajinder Singh Tara, and under the guidance of District Youth Services & Sports Officer Jaffer Haider Sheikh.

The event witnessed a vibrant and high-energy inauguration ceremony drawing enthusiastic participation from student athletes, officials and dignitaries.

In his address, the Deputy Commissioner lauded the Youth Services & Sports Department for nurturing young talent. He emphasised the role of sports in promoting discipline, fitness and unity among youth.

The host school principal, Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs), PEMs, PETs, REKs, GMs, & NYCs and other officials were also present. Student athletes from across the district presented energetic taekwondo demonstrations during the contests.

Earlier, the DYSSO, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of martial arts like taekwondo in building confidence, self-defence skills and mental strength among students. He also thanked all field officials for their continuous dedication in organising such events successfully and encouraged young athletes to aim for higher-level competitions.

This inter-zonal competition has brought together talented players from across different education zones of the district, providing them a platform to showcase their skills and qualify for divisional and UT-level competitions.