Mokokchung taekwondo team heads for Phek with high hopes

With 8-year-olds Limatoshi and Mongshai as the youngest participants from the Mokokchung team, the Mokokchung District Taekwondo Association (MDTA) will set out for Phek on August 31 to participate in the Inter-District Taekwondo Championship in Phek District, scheduled for September 2 and 3.

The championship, under the aegis of the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, is organized by the Phek District Taekwondo Association under the aegis of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland.

A total of 33 participants, along with two managers and two coaches, will be representing Mokokchung at the championship.

Speaking to MT, Bendangtoba, technical convenor from MDTA, expressed hope for winning “many medals,” stating, “So far, everything has gone well, from coaches to players, so we are hoping for the best results.”

“The parents have been extraordinarily supportive, and I also want to acknowledge Lady Bird School for providing us with their facilities for practice,” added Bendangtoba.

The MDTA was established in 1987. Currently, the office is run by the 2023 elected office bearers with Supongwati as President, Imkongsanen as Vice President, Nukshimeren Ozukum as General Secretary and Temsukaba Kichu as one of the executives. The technical team in the MDTA includes Bendangtoba as the convenor, with Jongmasütsüng and Imzünglong as members.

Following their installation, this inter-district taekwondo tournament will be the third major event where they are representing Mokokchung. The other two major tournaments were “Catch Them Young” and the Nagaland Olympics.

MDTA President Supongwati said that training for the children has been ongoing since last year, and they are therefore expecting to win about ten medals in the tournament.

Speaking about the support from the community and authorities, he noted that while there is significant support, there is more that society can do for taekwondo. He also highlighted the challenges they face with infrastructure in Mokokchung.

“Because we don’t have proper infrastructure, we have to cancel practice sessions when it rains. We also lack a proper sports complex. Addressing these issues would be very helpful,” said the president.

He further noted that the experience has been encouraging, as they have seen an increase in student enrollment for Taekwondo. He mentioned that a registration drive will begin after the tournament.

Temsukaba also shared his hopes for the team, adding that the participants include those who won bronze medals in the recent Nagaland Olympics.

Meanwhile, Imkongsanen, Vice President of the MDTA, said that the players were selected from over 60 participants across the district.

Speaking about their love for Taekwondo, they said they enjoy the sport and are excited about the upcoming tournament. When asked if they believe they will win, both said they “don’t know.”