SAI- Korean Ambassador’s Cup, a Taekwondo Championship, held at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex
New Delhi: SAI- Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship was organized at K.D. Jadhav Wrestling Hall, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi. It has raised the hopes of many players for better performance in the upcoming Asian Games 2018. The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Cho Hyun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, S.S Chhabra, Secretary of SAI, Sanjay Saraswat, Regional Director of SAI and Manjushree Dayanand, Administrator I.G Stadium. 394 participants with 221 matches in kyouragi (fight) and 48 matches in poomsae made the entire match thrilling.
The championship had participants from 9 different regional centers of SAI.176 medals were given for the cadet and junior winners of Kyorugi and Poomsae tournaments. 72 medals were given to senior winners of Kyorugi and tournaments. Regional Centre of Kerala was the winner in overall championship. Regional Centre of Guwahati was runner up.
H.E. Cho Hyun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India said, “As Korea-India relations deepen and expand, it is most desirable that the two nations promote sports and cultural exchanges and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship amongst our people.” He also added that Taekwondo is necessary for the development of body, soul and mind, similar to how we find Yoga in India.
Kim Kum-pyoung – Director of Korean Cultural Centre congratulated all the participants and winners and said that this is not the end but the beginning of the journey for the coming games.
Sanjay Saraswat, Regional Director –SAI, commented that, "It is a matter of great happiness that the championship was organized in Delhi. It was a great opportunity for learning techniques and upgrading knowledge. This has further enhanced our relationship with Korea."
Lalita (senior female winner under 49 kg, Regional center Lucknow) said “This championship was a great opportunity given by SAI and KCCI. It was a tough competition. I won the gold medal but my competitor also very deserved. I have to learn and improve my moves for my game."
Sarvona Kumar (senior winner under 67 kg, Regional Centre - Mumbai) commented on the occasion, "I am an international taekwondo player. Today I won the gold medal but I am not satisfied with my moves. I have to improve my moves for my future championship. I have learned a lot in this championship. This championship has provided a golden opportunity to the Taekwondo players."
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will organize a two week training camp for the first and second position winners of the senior category. The twelve selected playerS among them will compete in ‘Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championship’ as a part of a one month intensive training camp in Korea.
The main motive of organizing the championship was to boost the popularity of taekwondo in Indian and encourage Indian Athletes to get international achievements in the upcoming Asian Games, 2018. The 2018 Asian Games, officially known as the XVIII Asia, will be the 18th edition of a regional multi-sport event in Asia.
