The 35th Nagaland Taekwondo Championship 2025-cum-under 14 Catch Them Young tournament commenced in Longleng with 486 participants on July 29, with a formal inaugural programme on July 30 at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium Longleng with MLA and Advisor, Information Technology and Communication & Economic and Statistics, Evaluation Government of Nagaland, H Sethrongkyu Sangtam, as the special guest and Deputy Commissioner Longleng, W Manpai Phom, as the guest of honour.
It was organised by the All Nagaland Taekwondo Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, and hosted by the Longleng District Taekwondo Association.
In his address, H Sethrongkyu Sangtam said, “In the current conditions, we see upliftment in sports and other sectors, with the youth bringing back medals and certificates in various fields. Not only at the national but also at the international levels, and have made the Nagas proud”.
Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the government, he said, is currently focusing on different sectors by promoting sports, music, etc. The youth are the future of Nagaland; other states have achieved even greater heights, and we intend to do the same by competing with them.
He further encouraged the youth to pursue their passion in sports or whatever field they are interested in, and said the government is willing to support those who are willing to put in the effort. He also spoke on the prevalence of drug abuse and urged participants to refrain from indulging in such activities to have a thriving career.
Lastly, Sangtam wished the best to the participants and congratulated the organising committee for organising the event.
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Guest of honour, Deputy Commissioner Longleng, W Manpai Phom, in his short address, welcomed the gathering and thanked the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, for accepting and allowing Longleng District Taekwondo Association to host the prestigious State-level competition in Longleng District. He also acknowledged the President of All Nagaland Taekwondo Association, who has been instrumental in moulding this sporting event in our state, training the youngest and doing such a tremendous job for the progress of sports in Nagaland.
Phom said Taekwondo as a sport teaches discipline and physical fitness, which is very important for all-around development. He urged all the players to take sports seriously in any field of sports and excel. Stating that Nagaland government is serious in promoting sports events, he hoped that the Government would provide better facilities for the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, which could mould the younger generation and take Taekwondo sport further and higher.
He encouraged the participants to participate in the spirit of sports and said participation and friendship will go a long way, providing the right platform. He also congratulated the organising committee for their hard work and dedication to organising this event.
The keynote address was delivered by EAC Longleng, Tsalimse Sangtam and the presidential address was delivered by the President of Longleng District Taekwondo Association and the President of All Nagaland Taekwondo Association.
During the programme, a demonstration was performed by Niuland Taekwondo Association, and Manchei Phom presented a song called One Moment in Time.
Earlier, the programme commenced with an invocation pronounced by Pastor Longleng Town Baptist Church Rev. H Beaü Phom and was chaired by Konjem Bujem.
