Jammu, Dec 18: The 28th District Jammu Taekwondo Championships 2025–26 wrapped up at the Indoor Hall, Bhagwati Nagar, on Thursday with Atul International Taekwondo Academy emerging as the overall champions after two days of intense bouts that underlined the depth of young talent across the district.
Doon International School, Jammu finished as runners up, while JKSC Taekwondo Centre, Jammu claimed the second runners up position as players from schools, academies and training centres fought fiercely across multiple weight categories during the December 17 and 18 competitions.
The closing ceremony was attended by Rajeev Sharma, Member J and K Sports Council, as chief guest, alongside Ajay Sharma, General Secretary of the J and K Table Tennis Association, Ritika Salathia, Manager of the Indoor Hall Bhagwati Nagar, and Subhash Shastri, President NSM, who were present as guests of honour. Special guests included Avinandan Sharma, Principal Vivekananda Public School, Pankaj Mehra, Vipin Kumar, Brinder Singh Manhas and Narayan Dass, all of whom applauded the standard of competition and discipline displayed by the athletes.
Conducted under the supervision of Ramesh Chander Sharma, President of the Taekwondo Association of District Jammu, the championship saw smooth execution with coordinated efforts from coaches, officials and volunteers. A national and state referee panel ensured fair play and seamless management of bouts throughout the event.
In the sub junior boys section, medals were spread across several institutions with Divyansh of Siras School Bishnah, Anshu Kumar of Vivekananda Public School, Aryan Lakhotra of Siras School Bishnah, Aarav Singh of Vivekananda Public School and Keshav Choudhary of Lexicon International School among the gold medallists in their respective weight divisions. Strong performances were also recorded by athletes from Doon International School, JKSC Taekwondo Centre, Mahadev Taekwondo Club and Shaurya International School across middle and heavier categories, highlighting the competitive balance in the field.
The sub junior girls events were marked by confident displays from JKSC Taekwondo Centre, Lexicon International School, Jammu Sanskriti School and Doon International School. Gold medals were secured by Samaira, Avneet, Meghna Sharma, Yashika Bharti, Aliya Wani, Mamta Devi, Paridhi Khadotra and Maria Manzoor Khan, with close contests producing several silver and bronze finishes across divisions.
Awards for active participation were presented to Siras School Bishnah and KV School Nagrota, while Lexicon International School Jammu and Shaurya International School Jammu received the Best Sportsman Sprint Award in recognition of their consistent efforts.
On the occasion, Rajesh Pangotra expressed gratitude to Nuzhat Gul, Secretary J and K Sports Council, for her continued encouragement towards the growth of taekwondo in the Union Territory.
The championship concluded with organisers reaffirming their focus on developing grassroots talent and strengthening the competitive structure of taekwondo in Jammu through regular district level exposure and disciplined training pathways.
