Rafiabad, June 6: In a celebration of sporting excellence and youth empowerment, the Civil Society in collaboration with the Indian Army organised a grand felicitation ceremony at Yuva Dangiwacha to honour six young athletes of the Warrior Taekwondo Academy who secured gold medals at the India Open International Taekwondo Championship held recently in Srinagar.
The event recognised the dedication, discipline and exceptional achievements of the young martial artists who brought laurels to the Rafiabad-Sopore belt of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district through their outstanding performances on the international stage.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of 7 Sector Rashtriya Rifles as the chief guest, along with civil dignitaries, senior administrative officials, coaches, parents and local residents.
The programme commenced with an impressive Taekwondo demonstration by trainees of the Warrior Taekwondo Academy. The young athletes showcased remarkable skill, agility and discipline, earning widespread appreciation and applause from the audience.
The gold medal winners honoured during the event included Abrar Ashraf (Junior, Under-48 kg) from Dangiwacha, Arman Ali (Cadet, Under-49 kg) from Dangiwacha, Haris Zahoor (Cadet, Under-37 kg) from Gundkarimkhan, Watergam, Mohammad Azhar (Sub-Junior, Under-35 kg) from Dogripora, Farhat Firdous (Junior Girls, Under-68 kg) from Waripora and Aleena Hassan (Cadet Girls, Under-44 kg) from Rawoocha, all hailing from the Rafiabad area.
Addressing the gathering, the Commander of 7 Sector RR congratulated the young champions and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in sports. He highlighted the importance of sports in promoting discipline, self-confidence, teamwork and healthy competition among youth, while serving as a constructive platform for channelising their energy and talent.
Speaking on the occasion, local residents and members of the civil society appreciated the Indian Army for its continued efforts in promoting sports and youth development in remote areas. They said such initiatives provide valuable opportunities for talented youngsters to excel at higher levels and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment towards nurturing young talent and strengthening the culture of sportsmanship and excellence across the region.
