Srinagar hosted the launch of the inaugural edition of the PTF India Open International Taekwondo Championships on Monday, marking a significant step for professional Taekwondo development in India. The event has drawn over 400 participants from India and six other countries.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the championship was formally inaugurated at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Stadium in Srinagar. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, inaugurated the event, with noted actor and director Mir Sarwar present as the Guest of Honour.
The opening ceremony was attended by Grandmaster Rick W. Shin, President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation, Grandmaster Kevin Woon, Ms. Selma Li, President of Kombat Cares, Grandmaster Lee Wang Yong, and Grandmaster Atul Pangotra, President of PTF India, along with senior sports officials, coaches, and athletes.
In her address, Nuzhat Gul highlighted India’s progress towards becoming a global sporting nation through focused development of athletes and infrastructure. She said Jammu and Kashmir is aligning with this national vision, with the Sports Council committed to nurturing talent. Athletes from the Union Territory have performed well in national and international events, she added.
Gul emphasised the role of sports in keeping the youth away from social issues such as drug abuse. She noted that hosting international events in Jammu and Kashmir provides local athletes with valuable exposure while promoting the region as a destination for sports tourism.
Grandmaster Rick W. Shin described the championship as a landmark for professional Taekwondo in India. He said it offers Indian athletes a dedicated platform beyond amateur competitions for the first time, enabling them to compete, grow, and excel at higher levels. Shin praised Grandmaster Atul Pangotra for his dedication to promoting the sport across the country.
Grandmaster Atul Pangotra, a Grandmaster and President of PTF India, stated that Kashmir was chosen as the venue due to its sporting potential and its position as the “Crown of India.” He outlined the federation’s aim to expand professional Taekwondo nationwide and create pathways for talented athletes to reach national and international levels.
Mir Sarwar appreciated the organisers for bringing an international event to Kashmir. He encouraged young athletes to pursue excellence through discipline and perseverance, underlining sports’ role in youth empowerment and social unity.
A key moment of the ceremony was the conferment of the 7th Dan Black Belt on Grandmaster Atul Pangotra by the Professional Taekwondo Federation. This made him the first Taekwondo Grandmaster from Jammu and Kashmir to achieve the rank. Mir Sarwar was also conferred a Black Belt for his contributions to sports, youth engagement, and social development.
The ceremony included Taekwondo demonstrations, athlete processions, and cultural performances that reflected sportsmanship and international cooperation. Athletes from multiple Indian states and Union Territories as well as six foreign countries are competing in various age and weight categories.
The three-day championship is expected to strengthen professional Taekwondo infrastructure in India and offer international exposure to emerging talent. Competitions, demonstrations, and medal ceremonies will continue over the next two days.
The Chenab Times News Desk