Gondwana University picks taekwondo teams after inter-college trials in Bhadravati

An inter-college taekwondo competition and selection trials under Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, were recently held at Nilkanthrao Shinde Science and Arts College in Bhadravati. A total of 24 players from different colleges affiliated to the university took part, 14 boys and 10 girls.

A team of punch judges, referees, doctors and announcers was present under the guidance of Satish Khemaskar, president of the Chandrapur District Taekwondo Association. The final selection of players was made in the presence of selection committee member Dr Vishal Shinde and Rajendra Chavke, director of sports at Adarsh Mahavidyalaya, Desaiganj. Winning players were honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals.

Players from eight different weight categories were selected through the trials. Eligible players were also finally selected for the individual and team categories of Poomsae.

The selected players will represent Gondwana University at the upcoming national-level All India Inter-University competition. The boys' team will leave for the Indian inter-university taekwondo competition to be held at Global University, Jaipur (Rajasthan), from December 1 to 5, 2026. The girls' team will go to the Indian inter-university taekwondo competition at Sharda University, Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh), from December 21 to 24, 2026.

In recognition of the players' achievement and their selection at the national level, Nilkanthrao Shinde College held a ceremony to felicitate all the winning players publicly.

Bhadravati Shikshan Sanstha president Dr Vivek Shinde, secretary Prof Dr Kartik Shinde and joint secretary Dr Vishal Shinde were present. They praised the players and wished them well for the journey ahead. The college principal, Dr L. S. Ladke, vice-principal Prof Dr Ajay Dahegaonkar, Prof Kundan Sahare, Prof Nathu Wadhwe, Prof Pravinkumar Nasare, Prof Dr Shashikant Shitre and Prof Sandeep Pradhan were also present.

College staff Aziz Shaikh, Vishal Prasad, Suraj Dakhane, Vishal Gaurkar, Pandurang Akhatkar, Pramod Telang and Bandu Pendor put in special effort to make the competition and ceremony a success.