Nine Sikkim players, woman coach in India team for world Poomsae championship

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: Nine taekwondo players from Sikkim have been named in the Indian team for the upcoming Hong Kong 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship scheduled to be held from November 30 to December 4.

Addressing a press conference in the capital on Wednesday, Trilok Subba from Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association (SATA) said, “It is a matter of pride and honour for the players from Sikkim to represent India on the world stage.”

The Sikkim contingent, which includes three male and six female players, will leave for Delhi on November 26 and Hong Kong the following day. The team also includes a female coach, Pempa Dolma Tamang.

Subba highlighted the rigorous journey that led to the selection in India team.

The players initially competed in the State championship held in August followed by the 3rd Senior Poomsae National Championship in Cuttack, Odisha where they won gold medals. The Sikkim team won another gold medal in the ‘champion of champions’ tournament at Nashik, Maharashtra.

The team then participated in intensive training camps including a month-long India camp in Delhi under Korean coach Wang Lee and another camp in Pune organized by the Asian Taekwondo Union.

“It was through sheer dedication, hard work and relentless practice that our players secured their place in the Indian contingent after many years,” Subba said.

Despite their success, the Sikkim team faces financial constraints. The high costs associated with participating in the championship are a challenge especially since many players come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, said Subba.

Both Subba and the players have appealed to the State government for financial support to help them represent the State and country effectively.

Ganga Ram Pradhan, one of the participants, said the players are currently training three times a day to prepare for the world stage. “We have overcome numerous challenges to secure our spots and are determined to showcase our best performance,” he said.

Another team member, Chultem Palmu Bhutia stated, “We have given our best at State and national tournaments. We are confident of bringing laurels to the State and the nation at the world championship.”

Sikkim participants: Trilok Subba, Savitri Pradhan, Ganga Pradhan, Ugen Gurung, Adwayti Subba, Chultem Palmu Bhutia, Priyadarshini J. Banya, Ismarika Gurung, Kelzang Yudon Bhutia, Reyong Hangma Rai and Pempa Dolma Tamang (women’s team coach)