In a significant development for Taekwondo in Jammu and Kashmir, State Awardee and Sher-e-Kashmir Awardee, International Taekwondo Coach/Referee, and Former Taekwondo Player Master Atul Pangotra has joined India Taekwondo. The event, held in Jammu, saw the presence of Namdev Shirgaonkar, President of India Taekwondo, who visited the UT to review the affairs of Taekwondo and engage with various stakeholders.
During the visit, Namdev Shirgaonkar felicitated international athletes, including two-time World Para Taekwondo Silver Medalist Chandeep Singh, International Taekwondo Player & Fit India Ambassador Danish Manzoor, Brinder Singh Manhas, Narinder Sharma and Arvind Satti. He lauded Master Atul Pangotra's relentless efforts in promoting Taekwondo in J&K and making it one of the most popular sports in the region.
Namdev Shirgaonkar emphasized India Taekwondo's inclusive approach, stating, "Our championships are open to athletes regardless of their club affiliations. Our goal is to promote Taekwondo and prepare Indian athletes for the Olympics, making this sport popular across India." He announced the upcoming Champion of Champion League, which will serve as the qualifying event for players aiming to compete in international tournaments.
Master Atul Pangotra expressed his appreciation for Namdev Shirgaonkar's leadership, noting, "Under Namdev Sir’s guidance, India Taekwondo has achieved significant milestones in a short period, with our players excelling on the international stage. His vision and commitment to the success of Taekwondo are evident and promising for the future of the sport."
He further said that Namdev Shirgaonkar's words echoed a vision of inclusivity and support for the Taekwondo players of Jammu and Kashmir. His commitment to providing opportunities for athletes from this region to excel on the world stage is commendable. This initiative marks a significant step towards nurturing talent and promoting sports in Jammu and Kashmir, Atul added.