Gangtok, Sept. 5: Sikkim boy Ugyen Gurung has received a sponsorship that will allow him to learn taekwondo for three years at a South Korean university after a martial arts teacher from that varsity saw him fight at an international event.
"I am delighted. I will work hard and devote time on brushing up. It is a golden opportunity and I will give it my best," said the 3rd Dan black belt holder who will be studying in Suesong University at Daegu in South Korea.
The scholarship would include 18-year-old Ugyen's tuition fees and accommodation cost in the country that is said to be the founder of the martial art. He will also pursue a filmmaking technology course along with the full-time degree programme in taekwondo.
Ugyen said he is thankful to his sponsor Kim Ki Man, a taekwondo professor at Suesong University and a 8th Dan black belt. The senior most Dan or degree is 9th Dan.
"I had done a two-month training with Kim during the 2010 World Taekwondo Hanmadang Championship in South Korea. He liked my game but I never thought he would sponsor me."
Ugyen was a commerce student at the Holy Cross School here and he secured first division marks in the CBSE exams this year.
"I started learning taekwondo when I was a kid. I love it. My mother, father and coach Trilok Subba are my driving forces," Ugyen said.
He flew to Delhi today to board the flight to South Korea late at night.
"Ugyen has been the most disciplined student. We hope he will make us proud," said Subba.