NTA felicitates medal winners of Seongnam Intl Taekwondo C’ship

Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) organised a felicitation programme for the medal winners of the Seongnam International Taekwondo Championship held from July 20 to 21, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea.
Speaking at the programme, NTA president, Pele Khezhie, described the occasion as a celebration of the achievements and progress of taekwondo in Nagaland. He informed that he, along with the Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, have accompanied the state taekwondo team, which represented India at the championship.
Khezhie highlighted the contribution of Theja Keretsü and Moon Thapa, who have qualified as taekwondo referees at both the national and international levels. He stated that their presence in the delegation added strength and credibility, bringing further recognition to the state.
The NTA president said that out of six participants from Nagaland, three athletes won gold medals at the Seongnam championship. The medalists included:
Vilabizo Nagi (Under 68 kg – Gold)
Sentimoa Ozukum (Under 56 kg – Gold)
P. Athongti (Under 49 kg – Gold)
He further informed that the Nagaland delegation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seongnam Sports University, which would pave the way for global training opportunities, exposure and collaboration. Another highlight of the trip, he said, was a meeting with the president of Kukkiwon, Dr. Dongsup Lee, who expressed appreciation for the spirit and potential of the Nagaland team.
Acknowledging the support of the state government, Khezhie stated that the achievements would not have been possible without the vision of the Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, and the encouragement of the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, whose commitment to youth and sports had been an inspiration.
He urged the young athletes to take inspiration from the victories and continue their dedication and discipline to bring greater laurels for Nagaland and the country.
Meanwhile, athletes from Nagaland also excelled at the 4th Sub-Junior National Taekwondo Championship held from August 28 to 30, 2025, in Cuttack, Odisha. The medal winners included:
Sudeh Lamlıu (Under 29 kg – Gold)
Shiusuthong (Under 35 kg – Gold)
Iciheing Ndang (Under 50 kg – Silver)
He also congratulated two taekwondo coaches from the state, Visabiu Peseyie, NIS and Tiameren Aier, NIS, for successfully completing the latest Taekwondo Rules & Regulations Coach License course conducted by India Taekwondo from August 23 to 24, 2025.