Team Puliebadze wins Kohima SPANDAN Taekwondo Tournament

Kohima, October 16 (MExN): Team Puliebadze emerged champion at the Kohima District Level SPANDAN Taekwondo Tournament 2026, organised by the Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) with sponsorship from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.The two-day tournament was held at IG Stadium, Kohima, from October 15 to 16, with the objective of promoting taekwondo at the grassroots level and identifying promising young athletes across the district.Participants were divided into four teams — Puliebadze, Japfü, Dzüleke and Dzükou — and competed across eight weight categories. The athletes showcased their skills, discipline, determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.Team Puliebadze secured the title with 32 points, followed by Team Dzükou with 24 points. Team Dzüleke finished third with 22 points, while Team Japfü placed fourth with 18 points.The tournament provided young athletes with a platform to demonstrate their abilities, gain competitive experience and pursue further opportunities in taekwondo. It also aimed to strengthen grassroots sports development and nurture emerging sporting talent in Nagaland.Pele Khezhie, president of the Nagaland Taekwondo Association, expressed appreciation to the Director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for the initiative to promote and develop sports in the state.He also acknowledged the department's continued support for the development of taekwondo and youth sports across Nagaland.