Under the aegis of Taekwondo Association of Goa (TAG), Basilio S 7 Health Club will organise the 26th State Sub Junior, Junior and Senior Boys & Girls Taekwondo (Kyorugi and Poomsae) Championships 2017 from September 15-17 at SAG badminton hall, Campal, here.
Panaji
"We have received 460 sub junior boys and girls entries besides 175 junior boys and girls entries and 150 entries from senior men and women under various weight categories," disclosed Adv Raju D Mangueshkar, President of TAG while addressing the media here on Wednesday. Contestants will vie for 106 gold, 106 silver and 212 bronze medals while trophies will be awarded to top three finishers and for the best team performances in boys and girls categories. Overall championship for first and second place will also be awarded. Mangueshkar highlighted that Goan taekwondo has always been a medal-winning discipline for the State at most national and international championships for the last 25 years. "Goa has over the years produced quality taekwondo players who have consistently won laurels for the State at national and international championships," the TAG chief pointed out, adding that the State championship will unleash around 900 participants from various age categories from acorss the State. "This is a very important event as far as Goa is concerned as we are specially going to keep a close watch on the junior and sub-junior talent in fray. The form the future of the sport as far as Goa is concerned," he added. Mangueshkar also disclosed that with just over a year to go for the 2018 National Games in Goa, the State championships will serve as an ideal preparation for various aspirants who are willing to be part of the Goa team for the Games.
"All categories will get an ideal chance to be in contention. We have 16 slots in men's and women's category so there is a long way to go but yet the time frame is short," he said.
Mangueshkar also felt that club culture has also paved the way for the sport's huge success in the State. "SAG centres in Ponda, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Panaji besides Govt centre in Shiroda and the 19 clubs existing in Goa have been major contributors in terms of taekwondo exponents in Goa," he added.
The TAG chief also praised Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for playing a vital role in ensuring that the sport got the necessary impetus in terms of financial boost since 2002. "It's because of the chief minister that taekwondo has grown into a force in the State. For any sporting discipline, financial boost it very important to prosper. And, since 2002, it is because of Manohar Parrikar that grants have been enhanced to Rs 5 lakh from the then existing Rs 75,000. He has also increased other grants in his capacity at the SAG chairperson which has come in handy for the trainees," Mangueskar pointed out, divulging that prior to next year's National Games, the TAG will also be preparing for the National Championships as a precursor for the Games.
"From now on we will concentrate every bit on the bigger picture and that is the National Games. The State event is a step towards it," he added. Mangueshkar said he wanted the government to take note of the fact that despite taekwondo being a medal-winning sport, facilities for training and preparation have to be permanently provided to the TAG so that they don't have to depend on make-do arrangements for major events.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Parrikar will be the chief guest for the opening ceremony while Siddharth Kunkolienkar will be the guest of honour on Sept 15 at 5pm at the Campal venue.
