The northeast has a rich pool of sporting talent, which, if nurtured properly, can bring laurels for the country. A taekwondo academy in Nagaland's Dimapur city is grooming youngsters who are interested in taking up martial arts.
R. K. Imocha Singh, a Taekwondo trainer set up the Dimapur Taekwondo Academy in 1988 to train youth from the area.
The academy, which is affiliated with Nagaland Taekwondo Association, has been promoting the martial art. It has 35 students on its rolls.
" Our students have been participating in various district, zonal and even national level competitions and got medals," said Anthony Lotha, General Secretary, Taekwondo Academy, Dimapur
The students at the academy have participated in and won at various state and national level tournaments.
Now, they are keen to make their mark at the international level.
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Many students have got jobs with the government and private firms.
"These kids from Northeast have a bright future as they are different. They have the physical features to succeed in sports," said Deeppak Kumar, an instructor.
"I appeal to the government to provide an indoor stadium and taekwondo kits so that the players can develop their skills and do well," added Samsong, a stident.
The Northeast has a talented pool of youth, especially in martial arts, who are capable of doing well at the national and international level.