Jammu, Dec 31: In a significant move to encourage and support athletes from Ladakh, Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan visited the Atul International Taekwondo Academy in Channi Himmat on Tuesday.
The visit focused on meeting international-level Taekwondo players from Ladakh and addressing their challenges. The academy, led by India’s top Taekwondo coach, Master Atul Pangotra, is currently training several prominent players from Ladakh, including State Awardee Shahnaz Parveen and international athletes Sonam Chopshal, Zeeshan Mehdi, and Rinchen Youdol.
During his interaction, MP Haji Hanifa Jan engaged with the athletes to understand their routine, struggles, and aspirations. He assured them of his commitment to addressing their concerns and promised to take their issues to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the Union Government.
The players highlighted various challenges, including financial constraints, limited facilities, and lack of government support, which hinder their preparation for national and international events. The MP appreciated their dedication and emphasized the need for immediate intervention to support their journey.
Recognizing the efforts of Master Atul Pangotra, MP Haji Hanifa Jan felicitated him with traditional khataks and a memento. Speaking on the occasion, the MP lauded Master Atul Pangotra’s contribution to training athletes with advanced techniques and ensuring their competitiveness at global levels.
“Master Atul Pangotra has made tremendous efforts in nurturing the talent of Ladakh’s players despite limited resources. His vision and dedication are helping these athletes bring laurels to the region and the nation,” MP Haji Hanifa Jan stated.
Addressing the media, MP Haji Hanifa Jan spoke passionately about the struggles faced by athletes, particularly from remote areas like Ladakh. He noted that while the public often celebrates their achievements, the hardships endured by the players, their families, and coaches remain largely unnoticed.
“It is crucial to secure the future of athletes who dedicate their lives to sports and bring glory to the nation. Financial support and proper facilities are essential. Players from Ladakh often belong to lower-middle-class families and bear the expenses themselves. This is a great sacrifice, and I will personally take up this issue with the Union Government to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their progress,” he added.
State Awardee and International Player Shahnaz Parveen expressed her gratitude for the MP’s visit. “This is the first time a public representative, especially an MP, has visited us and listened to our concerns. This boosts our morale and gives us hope for better support in the future,” she said.
Master Atul Pangotra echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the potential of the Ladakh Taekwondo Association to produce Olympic-level athletes. “Despite limited resources, the medal tally for UT Ladakh is high. With adequate support, they can train more players to compete in international events and even the Olympics,” he said.
MP Haji Hanifa Jan concluded his visit with a commitment to prioritize the needs of athletes from Ladakh. “Our athletes are an inspiration for the youth. Supporting them will pave the way for more young people to take up sports and represent Ladakh and India on global platforms. I will ensure that their grievances are addressed and resources are made available to help them achieve their dreams,” he said.
This visit marks a significant step towards recognizing and addressing the needs of athletes from remote regions and reflects a vision of inclusivity and development in Ladakh’s sporting landscape.
