1st PTF India Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026 Concludes Successfully in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India — The historic 1st PTF India Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026 concluded successfully at the prestigious Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Stadium in Srinagar, marking a significant milestone in the development of Professional Taekwondo in India and South Asia.

Held over four days, the championship brought together athletes, coaches, referees, officials, and dignitaries from across India and abroad in a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

The event was organized by the Professional Taekwondo Federation India (PTFI) under the auspices of the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, My Youth My Pride Initiative, and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. More than 500 athletes representing various States and Union Territories of India, along with participants from six countries, competed in the inaugural edition of the championship.

The Opening Ceremony was officially inaugurated by Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, while renowned actor and director Mr. Mir Sarwar attended as Guest of Honour. Distinguished guests included Grandmaster Rick W. Shin, President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation; Grandmaster Kevin Woon, Tournament Director; Dr. Selma Li, President of Kombat CARES; Grandmaster Lee Wang Yong, Referee Chairman; and Grandmaster Atul Pangotra (7th Dan), President of Professional Taekwondo Federation India.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nuzhat Gul highlighted India's emergence as a global sporting nation through the development of world-class athletes and modern sports infrastructure. She emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir continues to play an important role in this vision and reaffirmed the commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council to identifying, nurturing, and supporting talented athletes. She further noted that sports serve as a powerful tool in guiding youth away from substance abuse while promoting discipline, health, and positive social values.

Addressing the participants, President Rick W. Shin described the championship as a landmark event for Professional Taekwondo in India. He stated that the tournament provides athletes with a professional platform to showcase their skills beyond traditional amateur competition and creates new opportunities for international recognition and advancement.

President Rick W. Shin also commended the tireless efforts of Grandmaster Atul Pangotra for his dedication to the promotion and development of Taekwondo throughout India. He expressed confidence that Professional Taekwondo would continue to grow rapidly under his leadership.

Speaking during the ceremony, Grandmaster Atul Pangotra explained that Kashmir was intentionally selected as the host venue for the inaugural championship due to its immense sporting potential and its reputation as the "Crown of India." He reiterated PTF India's vision of expanding Professional Taekwondo throughout the country while creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete at both national and international levels.

Guest of Honour Mir Sarwar praised the organizers for bringing an international sporting event to Kashmir and encouraged young athletes to pursue excellence through discipline, determination, and perseverance. He emphasized the important role sports play in youth empowerment, social harmony, and nation-building.

One of the most memorable moments of the Opening Ceremony was the official promotion of Grandmaster Atul Pangotra to the rank of 7th Dan Black Belt by the Professional Taekwondo Federation. With this achievement, he became the first Taekwondo Grandmaster from Jammu & Kashmir to attain this prestigious rank, creating a historic milestone for martial arts within the Union Territory.

In recognition of his contributions to youth development, sports promotion, and social engagement, Mir Sarwar was also presented with an honorary Black Belt by the Professional Taekwondo Federation.

The Opening Ceremony featured colorful athlete parades, dynamic Taekwondo demonstrations, and cultural performances that reflected the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and international friendship.

The championship concluded with a grand Closing Ceremony attended by President Rick W. Shin as Chief Guest and Dr. Selma Li as Guest of Honour. Also present were Grandmaster Kevin Woon, Grandmaster Lee Wang Yong, Grandmaster Atul Pangotra, coaches, referees, volunteers, and sports enthusiasts.

Congratulating all participants, President Rick W. Shin hailed the inaugural edition of the championship as a resounding success and reaffirmed the Professional Taekwondo Federation's commitment to expanding Professional Taekwondo worldwide. He praised the athletes for their dedication, competitive spirit, and exemplary conduct throughout the event.

Dr. Selma Li commended the athletes for their enthusiasm, discipline, and sportsmanship while emphasizing the vital role of sport in promoting healthy lifestyles, youth leadership, and international understanding.

Grandmaster Atul Pangotra expressed his sincere gratitude to the Professional Taekwondo Federation, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, sponsors, officials, volunteers, and participating teams for their unwavering support. He stated that the successful organization of the inaugural championship has established a strong foundation for future international Professional Taekwondo events in India.

During the Closing Ceremony, medals, trophies, and certificates were presented to winners and outstanding performers across all competition categories.

Overall Championship Results

Overall Champion: Jammu & Kashmir

Runner-Up: Jharkhand

Second Runner-Up: Ladakh

The contingent from Odisha received special recognition for its active participation and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the championship.

The organizers also honored referees, technical officials, volunteers, sponsors, and supporting organizations whose dedication and commitment contributed significantly to the successful delivery of the event.

The championship successfully promoted the core values of discipline, excellence, youth empowerment, healthy living, and international friendship while providing athletes with a world-class platform to demonstrate their talent and potential.

The successful conclusion of the 1st PTF India Open International Taekwondo Championships 2026 represents a major milestone in the growth of Professional Taekwondo in India and further strengthens PTF India's commitment to developing future champions, expanding opportunities for athletes, and advancing the sport throughout the nation.

Media Contact:

Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF)

Email: office@protaekwondo.org

Website: www.protaekwondo.org