Jammu, February 20, 2021: The first of its kind competition, being held simultaneously across the UT of J&K—Vishal Memorial JKTA Foundation Cup-2021,organized by J&K Taekwondo Association in collaboration with Korean Culture Centre, India (KCC) received positive response.
The main event took place at JKSC New Indoor Complex, MA Stadium, here with around 500 athletes taking part in the competition. The event was declared open by Joint Director, Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Bashir Ahmad, who was chief guest while Abdul Qayoom, Accounts Office DYSS was guest of honour.
Earlier, vice president of the JKTA, SM Bali welcomed the distinguished gathering and presented a brief note of the event. He told the gathering that the motto of this championship was to engage the kids from slums, orphanage and migrant Colonies, who have a huge enthusiasm towards the combat sports.
“Our focus was and is always over the grass root level and we are in a run to create the Olympic atmosphere within the J&K-UT. It will be a record in itself to simultaneous competition all over the 20 districts with over 2000 players taking part,” mentioned Bali, who holds an important position in Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The championship is being held under the supervision of JKTA president, DN Pangotra while international referee and coach, Master Atul has been appointed technical head.
The championship is sponsored by Samsung and co-sponsored by Sportsline, Aasma Charitable Trust, Atul International Taekwondo Academy and Shield Taekwondo.
Among the distinguished gathering were Jagjit Singh (general secretary JKTA), Ramesh Chander Sharma, (joint secretary JKTA), Vikas Abrol, Gurinder Rakwal, Zaheer Abbas Khan (treasurer JKTA), Vikas Sharma, Nazir Khan, Kapil Pangotra, Mitan Baru and Subodh Bhaseen.
The technical penel comprised Brinder Singh, Aarvind Satti, Anchal Sharma, Rashmi Abrol, Narinder Sharma, Tarun Sharma, Shanaz Parveen, Kushagra Sharma, Achutam Dev Singh, Rahul Sharma, Bhanu Pratap Attri, Amit, Sunil Vaid and Nitish Anand.
About Vishal Sharma: Vishal Sharma brought the game of Taekwondo in J&K. Man behind introducing Korean Art to the people of J&K died in a tragic road accident 16 years ago. He produced many National and International players including Kuldeep Handoo ( first Dronacharya awardee and Chief Coach Wushu Association of India), Atul Pangotra (first NIS coach of UT and Commonwealth Medalist)
