Nagaland to host 69th National School Games U-14 Taekwondo Championship

Nagaland will be hosting the 69th National School Games U-14 Taekwondo Championship which is set to take place from October 28 to 30 at K. Kire Badminton Stadium, Police Complex, Chümoukedima. The opening ceremony will be graced by advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, Tovihoto Ayemi as the special guest, while the closing ceremony will be graced by minister for Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse as the special guest.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, director of Youth Resources and Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, announced that the event is being organized and powered by the Government of Nagaland under the aegis of the School Games Federation (SGF) in collaboration with the Nagaland Taekwondo Association.
Sekhose highlighted that while around 30 states, union territories and units were initially expected to participate, the number has increased to 35, including participants from CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and other SGFI-affiliated boards. More than 400 participants will take part in the event, comprising of 310 athletes and around 75 coaches, managers and heads of delegations. Nagaland will be represented by 11 players.
Officials have been drawn from across the Northeast region, with Joseph from Mizoram as Technical Director. All officials from outside Nagaland are being accommodated within the Police Complex and nearby hotels in Chümoukedima. A total of 25 committees have been formed for the smooth conduct of the event, each led by an officer.
Sekhose stated that the Government of Nagaland decided to host the championship to promote Taekwondo, a sport in which the state shows strong potential. He emphasized that under the Khelo India scheme, significant assistance has been extended in developing Taekwondo over the past five years. Following the successful hosting of the National School Games in Sepaktakraw last year, this marks the second time Nagaland is hosting a national-level school games event, reaffirming the state’s commitment to sports development.
He expressed gratitude to chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for his continued support and financial backing, ensuring the best possible arrangements and hospitality. Appreciation was also extended to the Director General of Police, Nagaland, for providing the venue within the Police Complex.
Competition director and International Referee, Joseph Thansanga, informed that the championship will feature four weight categories on the first two days and three categories on the final day. Technical officials from each of the Northeastern states have been invited, with two representatives from every state to oversee the event. The competition will follow World Taekwondo rules, utilizing the PSS electronic scoring system.
Joint secretary of Youth Resources and Sports, Temjensangla, expressed optimism about hosting the event, stating that it will inspire Naga youth and foster a spirit of unity and excellence among participants. She hoped the three-day championship would be a success and leave a positive impression on all visiting teams.
The 69th National School Games U-14 Taekwondo Championship will feature competitions in the following categories: Under 18 kg, 18–21 kg, 21–23 kg, 23–25 kg, 25–27 kg, 27–29 kg, 29–32 kg, 32–35 kg, 35–38 kg, 38–41 kg, and over 41 kg.