Gangtok : Most youngsters in Sikkim are sports-oriented, and some even see this activity as the ticket to a brighter future.
The latest example is a karate training center in Sikkim, which is abuzz with life, as the ancient martial art is popular among the youths looking to make a name in the international sports arena.
Teenaged boys and girls and some much younger, dressed in their stark-white uniforms with belts of varying colours go through a daily grind of exercises and Karate training. All of them have an aspiration to make it big in the competitive sporting field one day.
The centuries-old Japanese martial art, which literally translates as 'Empty Hand' where body limbs are stiffened to be used as weapons, is being looked upon not only as a self-defense technique, but also as a viable career option.
"In Sikkim, at the moment, Taekondo is growing in popularity because the youngsters, who have taken it up as a sport and competed outside have registered amazing achievements. It is for such reasons Taekondo is becoming popular amongst the youths," said Tamaran Gurung, the coach of the Sikkim Taekondo Association."Taekondo requires discipline, dedication and devotion. With this sport we can defend ourselves and also earn a name through this sport, not only in taekondo , but also in other sports," said Indra Bahadur Chettri, a trainee.
"Especially youths who waste their time loitering around and those who are not too bright in their studies, they can always hone their talents in sports such as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo. Anyone can do it, make a name for themselves, and make one's parents and the State proud," Chettri added.
Sanchaya Maya Rani, another trainee hopes to become a martial arts trainer one day.
"My future plan is to do well in this sport and later impart training on to others and become a good coach," she said.t is with the support of the State government, the Sikkim Taekondo
Association has been able to train a lot of youths who have brought laurels to the country in many national and international competitions.
(ANI)
