1st India Cup Open International Taekwondo Championship inaugurated at Silchar

November 16: It was indeed a moment for pride for Silchar in particular and Barak Valley in general when the 1^st India Cup Open International Taekwondo Championship was inaugurated at India Club Indoor Stadium by State Cabinet Minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Friday by lightning the lamp. The inaugural ceremony of the three-day competition was also graced by MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Deputy Commissioner of Cachar-Dr. S. Laksmanan, Chairman of Silchar Municipal Board-Niharendra Narayan Tagore, Bimal Nath Choudhury and others. The championship has been jointly organized by Kreeda Bharati along with Cachar District Taekwondo Association.

This was followed by a colourful dance performance based on the theme of national integration wherein the cultural heritage of various states of India was displayed by the artists. Krishnakoli Pompa too exhibited a brilliant solo dance performance. Players from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and India will be participating in this International Taekwondo Championship.

Except Tripura, players from all other North Eastern states will also be participating in this championship. Players from Tamil Nadu and Goa have also arrived at Silchar. A total of 40 referees of repute (20 from India and 20 international) were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

Speaking during the occasion, MLA Dilip Kumar Paul said that this is the first ever international sporting event organized at Silchar. He said that it takes courage to host such events and previously nobody dared to organize such international sporting event. State Cabinet Minister Parimal Suklabaidya said that Taekwondo is not only a sporting event but also a means of self-defence. Mr. Suklabaidya further said that the game of Taekwondo increases self-reliance of the players.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by an exhibition match. Minister Parimal Suklabaidya waved his hand to signal the start of this exhibition match. This three-day International Taekwondo Championship will take place in 4 different arenas. More than 400 players will take part in this championship.

It needs mention here that participants within the age group of 5 years to 60 years can take part in it. There will be two events, Kyorugi (full contact fighting) and Poomsae (non contact).  Around 500 students from various schools will assist in making the event a grand success.