The Meghalaya Taekwondo Training Academy (MTTA) on January 6 expressed disappointment on the alleged lack of support and recognition from the state government during the 1st Indo-Nepal International Taekwondo Championship 2021 which was held at Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh from December 27 to 30, 2021.
Speaking to media persons, gold medallist Wansalan Dkhar said that the Meghalaya academy had sent out 11 players to compete in the championship and 10 received medals which include 4 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals.
She added that altogether there were 16 teams from India and 67 players from Nepal who took part in the championship.
“Even though the academy did not receive any assistance from the state government, yet the academy was able to win 10 medals which have put the state on the map of Taekwondo,” said Dkhar.
Dkhar then said that the academy was able to bear its expenses with assistance from the minister and MLA Sanbor Shullai, MLA Adelbert Nongrum and Mohendro Rapsang and BJP president Ernest Mawrie.
Dkhar informed that the Meghalaya Taekwondo Training Academy is about 9-10 years old but till date, it has never received any assistance despite having been recognised by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA). She added that the academy faced hurdles as it does not have proper training facilities such as carpets for practice or rings for sparing.
“Despite not having proper infrastructure, the academy was able to win 10 medals outside the state in the concluded championship, hence we urged the state government and the concerned department to find means to provide assistance to the academy and its players to train and prepare its players for bigger championship,” she added.
