Herald: Why did you decide to take up refereeing?
Angela Naik: As a player at the National & International level, I noted that some referees were very biased as such the players were the ones at the receiving end with no fault of theirs. I experienced the same during my fights too. As such, I learned the World Taekwondo Referee Rules & Regulations, examined and became World Class I International Referee in Taekwondo, the first Female in India. I was also judged the Best International Referee by World Taekwondo.
Herald: How did you start your journey?
AN: My journey in Taekwondo started late in 1986. Prior to that I learned all other
Martial Arts (karate, judo, aikido, kung-fu, boxing, weapons like nanchaku, budo, tonfa, sai etc). In 1985 when I first watched taekwondo at the National Games, I was deeply engrossed in it. In 1986 I got the opportunity, grabbed it and delivered my best to achieve success.
Herald: What were the struggles at the beginning of your career?
AN: Every player has to struggle and my case was no different. I had an ailing mother to look after, a private job and at the same take care of my training by myself as I had no trainer or coach. I struggled to make ends meet as I received no help from the State government.
Herald: What was your motivation?
AN: Motivation???…I used to motivate myself to set my sights on achieving the goal by believing in myself that nothing is difficult in life’.
Herald: How many competitions do your referee each year?
AN: Depends on visa and flight ticket rates. I participate in one or two competitions a year. As per standard rule of WT, each IR has to pay their airfare. Lodging and boarding is provided by OC.
Herald: What is your greatest achievement so far as a taekwondo player and as IR?
AN: I represented India in 1990 at Asian Taekwondo Championship Teipei where I lost in the quarter-finals. Later, bagged 2 consecutive gold medals at the 1994 (Pune) and 1997 (Bangalore) National Games. In 2011, I won Gold Medal at 5th Commonwealth Tkd Championship and a Bronze Medal at Asian Tkd Championship, Phillipines in 2016. As IR, I got selected for 2012 London Olympics Games and in 2016 ROG selection of IR’s I gave my best and was selected for 2012 Junior World, Cairo, 2013 Senior Tkd Championship, Mexico and 2013 World Poomsae Tkd Championship, Bali Indonesia. Also bagged the Best Referee Award at the 4th International Taekwondo events conducted by World Taekwondo.
Herald: What do you think holds more importance in sports? Talent or Training?
AN: Both go hand-in-hand together. Talent to understand your opponent moves, techniques etc. and tough training to get you through for the medal. Determination, will power, spirit, endurance, motivation, self-confidence, power to execute, correct practice, time will get you to attain and reach your goal.
Herald: Do you have any suggestions for the betterment of Taekwondo and referee education in Goa?
AN: Right now Taekwondo in Goa and India is in chaos. The federations and associations are only fighting for power. The players, coaches, national referees and international referees have to suffer. Taekwondo is in my blood. My heart bleeds to see the sorry state of affairs in Taekwondo in India and Goa.
Herald: What is your message to youngsters planning to join Taekwondo or become an IR?
AN: I don’t know where it will lead the youngsters right now, but if all goes well at the
Federation Level I would only say that ‘taekwondo as a whole is the best martial arts’.
Herald: Did you get any support from the government in the past?
AN: Govt ??? The less I talk about it the better… The Goa Government and Sports Department promised me a job in 1994 after bagging the gold medal at the National Games, but mere in words…in 1997, SAG officials visited my office to force me to participate by saying that they will definitely provide me with a job and monetary benefits. I won the gold medal in 1997 edition, but it all went in vain…again only words. I don’t believe in the promises. I have achieved glory at the international level only for my satisfaction and to boost my morale.
