KARGIL, LADAKH: Zahara Batool, daughter of Mohammad Hussain and a resident of Tambis Kargil, Student of GHSS Akchamal, has made Ladakh proud by clinching the Gold medal in the 68th National School Games Taekwondo Championship held at Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, from December 20 to 24, 2024. Representing Ladakh in the Under-55 Kg U-19 Girls category, Zahara displayed exceptional skill and resilience, defeating top states like MP, Maharashtra and securing a commanding victory against Kerala in the finals.
In the same championship, Deasal Angmo from Melbekh Wakha, a student of JAME Kargil, showcased her determination in the Under-46 Kg category, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals. Although she narrowly missed progressing further, her performance was commendable and highlighted the growing talent in Ladakh’s Taekwondo community. The Ladakh team, consisting of two players and led by Coach Mohammad Ali, and Team Manager Abdul Hamid PEM DYSSO Kargil, achieved a significant milestone with Zahara’s gold medal being the first-ever Taekwondo gold for Ladakh UT in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) championships.
Impressed by Zahara’s outstanding performance, Master Atul Pangotra, Chief Technical Advisor and Mentor of Ladakh Taekwondo Association, International Level Coach, and Olympic Referee, from J&K UT awarded her a cash prize of ₹5100 and an international Taekwondo kit as a token of appreciation. Both Zahara and Deasal are part of the SAI Training Centre in Kargil, where they trained under the expert guidance of Coach Mohammad Ali, State Awardee, and Parveen Kumar.
Gulzar Hussain Munshi, President of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Zahara, her parents, and her coaches for this remarkable achievement. He also praised Deasal Angmo for her spirited fight and expressed optimism for her future performances. Munshi thanked the Joint Director of Sports, UT Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi and DYSSO Kargil Abid Hussain for their efforts in providing opportunities for local athletes to showcase their talents on the national stage. This achievement not only marks a proud moment for Ladakh but also sets a strong foundation for the future of Taekwondo in the region. The Ladakh Taekwondo Association reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and supporting young athletes, enabling them to excel at national and international levels.
