TS tops in Hapkido nationals

Abids: An electrifying atmosphere pervaded the Lal Bahadur Indoor Stadium during the two-day sixth National Hapkido Championship 2017, which was jointly collaborated by Hapkido Federation India (HFI) and Hapkido Association Telangana (HAT).

Action became pronounced when participants from Telangana State had to cross swords with talented opponents from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam and Delhi.

According to Md Zaheeruddin, President of HFI, who is also a qualified coach, the quality was way above expectations and augured well for the sport, which is also drawing considerable response from girls. There was a sizeable turnout of girls in the 400 who came from all over and won accolades for being adept at a multitude of techniques.

Events were held in Ho sin sul demonstration, Hapkido Self Defense techniques demonstration competition exclusively for girls, Bal Chagi to test the speed with which kicks bearing power, target and accuracy can be accomplished within 30 seconds and Kyorugi (sparring).

M Sardar Shaik, President of HFI, applauded the participants for the manner they demonstrated their individual prowess and competitive edge.

The cynosure of all eyes was five-year-old Hyderabad girl Md Zakaria Sharfuddin, who displayed Yellow Belt syllabus of Hapkido, by executing five self-defense techniques to clinical precision, which subsequently won her the "’student of the year’ honour from Hapkido Federation India.

For the records, Azra Public School topped in self-defense demonstration followed by GSB Angels' Convent School and Insight International School, Shaikpet.

The overall championship was clinched by the host State, which had a record medal haul, while Maharashtra bagged the runner-up spot.