LEH, SEPT 27: The 5th UT Ladakh Taekwondo Championship 2026 was inaugurated at NDS Indoor Stadium, Leh, on Sunday, bringing together around 200 young athletes from across Ladakh for a major competitive platform aimed at identifying talent and strengthening the sport at the grassroots level.
Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha inaugurated the championship, while Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Tsering Paldan attended as guest of honour and renowned Taekwondo personality Atul Pangotra was the special guest.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Thenles Namgyail, President Taxi Union Leh; Stanzin Joldan of Mazda Union; renowned gynaecologist Dr Zohra; DYSSO Leh Tsering Tashi; President Ladakh Taekwondo Association Gulzar Hussain Munshi; General Secretary Anayat Ali; Vice President Leh Taekwondo Association Advocate Tousif Ahmed, besides sponsors, coaches, parents, officials and sports enthusiasts.
The championship commenced with an Under-40 kg Boys Cadet bout in the presence of the dignitaries.
A key highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of the PSS electronic sensor scoring system for the first time, giving Ladakh’s athletes hands-on exposure to the technology used in higher-level Taekwondo competitions. The system is intended to familiarise players with modern scoring mechanisms and improve their preparedness for regional and national-level events.
Addressing the gathering, Bhanu Prabha stressed the importance of providing athletes with access to modern training and competition technology. She said the Department had already discussed the requirement for electronic sensors and, in line with the Lieutenant Governor’s vision of strengthening sports infrastructure, efforts would be made to procure at least one set of sensors in the next year’s budget.
She further said the Department, in coordination with the concerned sports association, would endeavour to provide shortlisted players opportunities to train and practise using electronic sensors, enabling them to gain greater familiarity before competing at higher levels.
The Secretary also highlighted the recently approved Sports Policy of Ladakh, including provisions for financial incentives for sporting achievements and reservation benefits for eligible sportspersons. She said such measures would help ease the financial burden associated with training, travel and participation in competitions while encouraging more youngsters to pursue sports seriously.Appealing to parents to encourage children with genuine sporting talent and interest, Bhanu Prabha said sports should not be treated merely as a secondary activity.
She assured continued support from the Administration and highlighted Ladakh’s achievements and potential in disciplines including Taekwondo and ice hockey.
Around 200 players from different districts of Ladakh are participating in the UT-level championship after qualifying through their performances in recently conducted district-level Taekwondo championships.
The event provides them with an opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment while gaining exposure necessary for progression towards higher-level competitions.The championship has been supported by Ladakh Police, Contractor Association Leh Ladakh and various sponsors, including Digi Infotech Leh, Ladakh Taxi Operators, Ex-Servicemen Medium Bus Operator, Ladakh Mini Truck Operator, Ladakh Transport Cooperative Society, Ladakh Bus Operators Cooperative Ltd. and FHS Dry Fruits Kargil.
President Ladakh Taekwondo Association Gulzar Hussain Munshi expressed gratitude to the Administration, Ladakh Police, Contractor Association, sponsors, participating teams, officials, coaches and parents for their cooperation in organising the championship.
Mementoes were also presented to the chief guest, guest of honour, special guest, distinguished guests and sponsors in recognition of their support and contribution towards the promotion of Taekwondo in Ladakh.
The championship is aimed at identifying promising athletes, providing them with professional competitive exposure and further strengthening Taekwondo at the district and UT levels across Ladakh.
