Poonch, March 2,2026- In a remarkable story of empowerment and sporting excellence, more than 1,000 students — the majority of them girls — have been trained in self-defence martial arts (Taekwondo) in District Poonch under the dedicated mentorship of Rajinder Singh, Taekwondo Coach and National Referee with the Department of Youth Services & Sports.
The initiative has sparked what many are calling a “Taekwondo Revolution” in the border district, transforming young girls into confident athletes and role models through discipline, determination, and self-defence training.
Major Achievements
The academy’s achievements stand as a testament to sustained effort and professional coaching:
- 20+ Black Belt holders, including several girls certified by Kukkiwon, South Korea
- 5 national-level medalist girls
- 4 national-level medalist boys, including one All-India National Gold Medalist
- 60–70 J&K UT Gold Medalist girls
These milestones highlight not only sporting excellence but also the growing participation of girls in competitive martial arts across Jammu & Kashmir.
Empowering Girls Through Self-Defence
In a region where opportunities for girls in competitive sports were once limited, Taekwondo has emerged as a powerful platform for empowerment. The structured training programs focus on physical fitness, mental resilience, and self-confidence, equipping students with essential life skills beyond the mat.
Parents and community members have lauded the initiative for instilling discipline and self-belief among young girls, many of whom are now competing and winning medals at UT and national levels.
A Sporting Rise for Poonch
District Poonch is steadily gaining recognition on the martial arts map of India. Under expert guidance and institutional support, local talent is flourishing, contributing significantly to Jammu & Kashmir’s sporting profile.
Officials from the Department of Youth Services & Sports have praised the sustained grassroots efforts, calling it a model for youth engagement and women empowerment through sports.
As more girls step onto the mat with confidence and determination, Poonch’s Taekwondo movement stands as an inspiring example of how focused mentorship and community support can reshape the future of youth in Jammu & Kashmir.
