20 Taekwondo athletes from Meghalaya win medals

Shillong, Sep 21 (PTI) Twenty taekwondo athletes fromGaro Hills representing Meghalaya have brought laurels to thestate by clinching five gold, six silver and six bronze medalsin the recently concluded 4th Open National All Martial ArtsGames 2016 at Guwahati, Assam. Athletes from all over the country including thenortheastern states competed in the three-day event held atNehru Stadium, Guwahati, Assam from September 16 to September18 last. The National tourney was organized by the Self DefenceAssociation of Assam affiliated to the Self Defence Society ofIndia. During the event athletes competed in various martialarts disciplines including Jeet Kune-Do, Kick Boxing, Karate,Taekwondo and Wushu. Among the gold medalists was Agate Sangma, son ofTaekwondo Coach Osmond T Sangma who has been consistentlyperforming well for the state in various national andinternational events. Speaking to media persons, Sangma said that the youthhad tremendous potential in competitive martial arts but sadlythere was dearth of sponsors. Lamenting the paucity of funds, Sangma said that he hadapplied for funds under the Chief Minister’s Youth DevelopmentScheme in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills but nothing was heardof it since. Athletes in the field have amazing potential to shineand thrive provided they are given enough exposure by lettingthem join such competitions, Sangma said. He said that competing in such events requiredregistration fees, fooding, lodging etc among others which washard to come by. Sangma, however, thanked all the benefactors who had madeit possible for the athletes to join and compete in varioustournaments. PTI JOP MM ATKATKPD