Kicking Beyond Limits: Rajinder Singh's Taekwondo Revolution in Poonch
Rajinder Singh's dedication brings Taekwondo to Poonch, inspiring over 600 youth. His coaching has led to national accolades and significant development in the region's sports culture.
Ayaz Mughal
Imagine a place where the rhythmic sounds of disciplined kicks and punches fill the air, where young athletes train with determination and dreams of glory. This is the world Rajinder Singh has crafted in Poonch (J&K), bringing the ancient Korean art of Taekwondo to life for its youth.
Taekwondo, which means "the art of the foot and hand," has its roots in Korea, stretching back over 2,000 years. It's more than just a sport—it's a philosophy that emphasizes discipline, respect, and self-improvement.
It took around 2,000 years for Taekwondo to reach Poonch, but finally, with the dedicated efforts of Rajinder Singh, the martial art has found a vibrant home in this region.
Rajinder Singh, a Physical Education Teacher and SAI-certified Taekwondo coach, has been a cornerstone of youth sports development in Poonch. Affiliated with the Department of Youth Services and Sports, he has significantly contributed to the promotion and training of Taekwondo in the region.
Since 2016, Rajinder Singh has been providing Taekwondo training at the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Sports Stadium in Poonch. His commitment to the sport and his students is evident as he continues to train over 600 young athletes. Even after the construction of the indoor complex of the sports stadium in 2020, he has remained dedicated to coaching, becoming the sole qualified Taekwondo coach in the entire Poonch District.
His journey in Poonch began with the introduction of Taekwondo to the district, which was met with growing interest from students. Balancing his official school duties, Rajinder dedicates his time to training these players without any financial gain, emphasizing his mission to empower the youth for the development of the country.
Achievements under His Coaching
- National Representation: 25 trainees represented J&K UT in the 66th and 67th All India National Taekwondo Championships held in New Delhi and Madhya Pradesh from 2022 to 2024.
- Junior Nationals: Six trainees represented J&K UT in the 40th All India Junior National Taekwondo Championships in Karnataka, 2023.
- Cadet Nationals: Two trainees represented J&K UT in the All India Cadet National Taekwondo Championship, 2023.
- Sub-Junior Nationals: Four trainees represented J&K UT in the All India Sub-Junior National Taekwondo Championship in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 2024.
- Khelo India Representation: One girl trainee represented J&K UT in the Khelo India Women Taekwondo League in Lucknow, U.P., March 2024.
- Premier League: Khalida Jabeen, from district Poonch, was the first girl from J&K UT to represent the state in the Taekwondo Premier League in Hyderabad, representing the Chennai Taekwondo Team.
- Medal Winners: Trainee Toseef Tahir won a bronze medal in the 66th All India National School Games Taekwondo Championship, New Delhi, 2023.
- Junior National Medalist: Khalida Jabeen won a bronze medal in the 40th All India Junior National Taekwondo Championship, 2023.
- Sub-Junior National Medalists: Mohd Arhaan and Arohi Dutta won silver and bronze medals respectively in the All India Sub-Junior National Taekwondo Championship, Raipur, 2024.
Apart from national-level successes, Poonch District Taekwondo players have also brought laurels by winning 40 state gold medals in various championships organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports J&K and the J&K Taekwondo Association.
His dedication has led to the emergence of four national players who represented J&K UT in the 67th National School Games Taekwondo Championship from the Government Middle School Khorinar, where he is currently posted. This is a historic achievement for the district, showcasing his tireless efforts and commitment to the sport.
His selfless service includes providing free training and Taekwondo uniforms to needy players. His eight years of dedicated coaching have not only shaped numerous athletes but also set a high standard for sports training in the region.
The achievements of Poonch Taekwondo players under Rajinder Singh's guidance have been remarkable, making a significant impact on the historical records of the district. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire and empower the youth of Poonch, paving the way for a brighter future in sports.
