The Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) has secured two medals at the 5th India Taekwondo National Championship 2026, held in Pune, Maharashtra, from August 16 to 21.
Nagaland was represented by four players in the Cadet Boys category, with Sudeh Lamliu winning a Silver Medal in the Cadet Boys Under 33 kg category and Rishi Doimary securing a Bronze Medal in the Cadet Boys Under 45 kg category.
Sudeh Lamliu put up an impressive performance throughout the championship. After receiving a bye in the opening round, he defeated opponents from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana to reach the final, where he narrowly lost to the representative from Mizoram to settle for the Silver Medal.
Rishi Doimary also delivered a commendable performance in the Under 45 kg category. Following a first-round bye, he registered victories over competitors from Puducherry and Rajasthan before losing in the semifinal to the representative from Dadra and Nagar Haveli, earning him the Bronze Medal.
The Nagaland Taekwondo Association congratulated both athletes for their outstanding performances and for bringing laurels to the State. It also appreciated all four Cadet Boys players for representing Nagaland with dedication, discipline, courage and sporting spirit.
The Association expressed gratitude to Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, and the officers and staff of the Department for their continued support towards the development and promotion of Taekwondo in the State.
It also acknowledged the Nagaland Police Department for granting permission to Seyievili Angami, Nagaland Police Taekwondo Team Coach, to accompany the players as Team Coach. Special appreciation was extended to Grand Master Lee Jeong Hee, Korea Dispatch Coach to India and Senior Director of India Taekwondo, for his guidance and support.
The Association further acknowledged Master Pele Khezhie, President, Nagaland Taekwondo Association, for his leadership and continued support to the team and the development of Taekwondo in Nagaland.
The Nagaland team was led by T. Alem Aier as Team Manager and Seyievili Angami as Team Coach.
(DPRO Kohima)
