Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh received the Grand Master 9th DAN title in Imphal when the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation honoured his contribution to Taekwondo during the opening ceremony of the state Poomsae championship, which aims to strengthen local practitioners’ skills and expand their opportunities at the international level.
Key Takeaways
-
The Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation honoured Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh with the Grand Master 9th DAN title for his longstanding contribution to the martial art.
-
The 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 aims to strengthen local talent and create opportunities for practitioners to compete internationally.
-
A 31-member GTTF delegation, including three-time Olympic champion Hwang Kyung-Seon, is visiting Manipur from October 19 to 24.
Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) has conferred the Grand Master 9th DAN title on Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on October 21. The federation recognised his longstanding involvement in the martial art and his contribution to its development.
GTTF President Grand Master Jun Lee presented the title on Wednesday at the inaugural ceremony of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026. The event took place at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.
The Chief Minister also demonstrated his martial arts skills and quick reflexes during the programme. His performance reflected years of experience and dedication to Taekwondo.
Jun Lee Recalls CM’s Achievements in Taekwondo
Addressing the gathering, GTTF President Jun Lee praised Khemchand Singh for his achievements as a Taekwondo practitioner. He described the Chief Minister as one of India’s outstanding practitioners of the martial art during the early 1980s.
Lee said Khemchand Singh had won the Indian National Championship several times. He also placed the Chief Minister among the pioneers who helped establish Taekwondo in India.
The GTTF president pointed out that many people knew Khemchand Singh primarily as a political leader. However, he said the Chief Minister had built his reputation as a Taekwondo champion long before entering politics.
Lee added that Khemchand Singh continued to maintain a strong connection with the discipline. He said this longstanding commitment could inspire aspiring practitioners, particularly young people, to pursue Taekwondo.
Championship Aims to Raise Standards
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Khemchand Singh highlighted the importance of the championship for Taekwondo in Manipur.
He noted that the event featured a team led by GTTF President Jun Lee from the Republic of Korea, where Taekwondo originated.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the participation of international experts would help improve the standards of Taekwondo practitioners in the state. He also said the championship could open opportunities for local athletes to reach the international level.
Khemchand Singh hoped the Poomsae Taekwondo Championship would support the discipline’s continued growth in Manipur. He expressed optimism that the event would help take the sport to greater heights in the coming years.
The championship also provides a platform for local practitioners to interact with international Taekwondo representatives and learn from their experience.
Sports Can Build a Peaceful Society: Minister
Manipur Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh highlighted the state’s sporting potential during the programme.
He said Manipur had abundant talent across various sports disciplines. He expressed confidence that the 2026 Poomsae Taekwondo Championship would help establish a stronger and more inclusive Taekwondo movement in the state.
The minister called for a sporting culture that values discipline, equal opportunities and recognition of talent. He also stressed the importance of encouraging determination among young people.
Govindas Singh urged the youth to reject violence and contribute to a peaceful society through sports. His appeal placed the emphasis on sports as a means of promoting discipline and constructive engagement among young people.
Thang-Ta Show Adds Cultural Significance
The inaugural ceremony also highlighted Manipur’s traditional martial arts and cultural connections with South Korea.
The Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association presented a demonstration of Thang-Ta, the traditional martial art of Manipur.
Students from Shinhan University in South Korea also performed at the event. Their presentation added an international dimension to the opening ceremony.
Together, the performances showcased traditional martial arts alongside contemporary Taekwondo practices. They also highlighted the cultural and sporting links between Manipur and South Korea.
31-Member GTTF Delegation Visits Manipur
A 31-member delegation from the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation is visiting Manipur from October 19 to 24, 2026.
The delegation includes Hwang Kyung-Seon, a three-time Olympic champion. Its participation in the state championship is expected to create opportunities for interaction between local practitioners and international Taekwondo experts.
Such exchanges could encourage local athletes to improve their techniques and pursue higher levels of competition. The visit also supports the broader effort to strengthen Taekwondo in Manipur.
Several MLAs, senior administrative officers and officials from the Youth Affairs and Sports Department attended the inaugural programme. Coaches, students, parents and other dignitaries were also present. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)