Assam to Host Taekwondo Talent Identification and Masterclass Program in 2026

The Assam government, in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sport, is set to host a Taekwondo Talent Identification and Masterclass Program from January 17 to 23, 2026. This initiative aims to discover and develop Taekwondo talent in the North-East, led by Olympic champions Jade Jones and Achab Jaouad. The program will include a two-phase structure focusing on talent identification and intensive training, contributing to India's vision of nurturing future Olympic athletes. This event marks a significant step in enhancing sports development in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 19:52 IST

Major Sports Initiative in North-East India

In a significant advancement for sports in the North-East, the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare (DSYW) of Assam, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), is set to conduct a Taekwondo Talent Identification and Masterclass Program at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati from January 17 to 23, 2026. This week-long event aims to discover, nurture, and enhance Taekwondo talent throughout Assam and the surrounding regions, while creating a structured pathway for athletes to excel in national and international competitions.

Government's Commitment to Sports Development

Nandita Gorlosa, the Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare in Assam, emphasized, "This initiative showcases Assam's determination to equip coaches and athletes with essential knowledge, training, and support necessary for achieving sustained success in sports. We are dedicated to fostering a robust sports future not just for Assam but for the entire nation, and initiatives like this bring us closer to that vision."

Led by World-Class Taekwondo Champions

This groundbreaking initiative will be spearheaded by two distinguished Taekwondo champions: Jade Jones, a two-time Olympic Champion and World Champion, and Achab Jaouad, a World and European Champion. Their extensive experience in high-level international competition will be invaluable.

"I am thrilled to be part of this initiative. India has a vast pool of talent, and with the right support, many athletes can achieve the highest levels, including the LA Games. I am eager to collaborate with IIS on a program that focuses on developing athletes correctly from an early stage," stated Jade Jones.

Program Structure and Phases

The event will unfold in two distinct phases, starting with the Talent Identification phase from January 17 to 18, 2026. This initial phase will concentrate on identifying promising young female athletes through structured fight evaluations, physical screenings, and technical assessments.

Following this, the Taekwondo Masterclass will take place from January 19 to 23, 2026. This five-day intensive training program will cater to both male and female athletes, covering essential aspects of the sport such as technical development, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and competition readiness.

A Step Towards National Sports Development

This initiative represents a crucial advancement in enhancing Taekwondo in Assam and the North-East, contributing to India's broader vision of establishing a sustainable pipeline of future international and Olympic-level athletes.

The event is part of IIS Taekwondo's Fighting Chance program, a talent identification initiative led by High-Performance Director Gary Hall. This program aims to discover talented female martial arts athletes and guide them toward achieving Olympic success at the LA 2028 Games.

Gary Hall is renowned for transforming Great Britain's Taekwondo program from a limited, underfunded system into a leading high-performance model globally, resulting in 10 Olympic medals, 4 Paralympic medals, and over 70 European podium finishes.