International taekwondo medalists accorded warm welcome
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2020:
Sapam Yaikhombi and Khwairakpam Dineshori who won medals for India at the Fujairah G-2 International Taekwondo International Championship 2020 held from January 31 to February 2 in United Arab Emirates, were given a warm reception upon their arrival at Imphal Airport today.
Yaikhombi, daughter of Sapam Jashobanta and Sapam Ongbi Thoithoi from Sagolband won a gold medal in the cadet (12 to 13 years) category while Dineshori, born to Khwairakpam Tamphajao and Khwairakpam Ongbi Jamini Devi bagged a silver medal in the junior girls (14-17) event.
The international tournament was participated by more than 1600 athletes from across the globe and 11 were among 47 players in the Indian contingent led by Takhellambam Raju as coach.
Both the medalists took their training at CTI located at Sagolband where Takhellambam Raju is the coach.
During an media session, T Raju expressed satisfaction over the achievement of the State players specially two players of CTI.
T Raju also maintained that the senior players could have also done well and brought home medals but shortage of proper training equipments, frequent exposure and participation at various other taekwondo events had badly affected the players.
Regular participation at various tournaments gave the players not only rooms from improvement but also mentally and physically ready.
Citing that State players face financial difficulties in preparation and making arrangement for participation at international events, coach Raju also urged all concerned to provide necessary assistance.