Guwahati, Assam – In a significant stride for Indian martial arts, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has formally declared India Taekwondo as the singular National Sports Federation (NSF) entrusted with the governance of Taekwondo throughout the nation.
This decisive action follows the endorsement of World Taekwondo, an organization sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), solidifying India Taekwondo’s position as the exclusive Indian affiliate of both World Taekwondo and the Asian Taekwondo Union.
This recognition ensures a unified and internationally sanctioned pathway for Indian athletes to compete in a spectrum of events, spanning regional championships to the pinnacle of global competitions such as the Asian Games, Olympic Games, and Paralympics.
Namdev Shirgaonkar, the President of India Taekwondo, conveyed his elation in an official statement, hailing the long-awaited recognition as a “watershed moment” for Taekwondo in India. He extended his sincere appreciation to the Sports Ministry and lauded the unwavering dedication of the affiliated state associations in nurturing the sport’s advancement.
“This landmark recognition clears the path for our talented Taekwondo practitioners to participate seamlessly in esteemed international platforms like the Asian Games and the Olympics. This is an immense encouragement for our athletes,” stated Shirgaonkar.
Furthermore, this official endorsement unlocks opportunities for accomplished Taekwondo athletes to be considered for national honors, including the esteemed Arjuna Award and Khel Ratna. Additionally, athletes will now have access to government-backed scholarships, employment prospects, and enhanced training resources.
India Taekwondo has been the sole recognized Member National Association (MNA) of World Taekwondo and the Asian Taekwondo Union since 2019. The federation has consistently played a pivotal role in enabling Indian athletes to compete on the global stage, thereby fostering the growth and prominence of Taekwondo within the country.