Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh Honored as Grand Master 9th Dan in Taekwondo
Manipurs Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh receives Grand Master 9th Dan title in Taekwondo for his contributions to the sport.
Imphal, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : Imphal – Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was awarded the title of ‘Grand Master 9th Dan’ by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) on Wednesday. This recognition honors his long-standing involvement and contributions to the martial art of Taekwondo.
The accolade was presented by GTTF President Grand Master Jun Lee during the opening ceremony of the First Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026, held at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.
During the event, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh showcased his martial arts skills, reflecting his years of dedication and experience in Taekwondo. He expressed hope that the championship would elevate the level of Taekwondo athletes in Manipur and provide them opportunities to compete internationally.
Khemchand Singh emphasized that the Poomsae Taekwondo Championship would contribute to the development of the sport in Manipur, aiming to take it to new heights in the coming years.
In his address, President Jun Lee praised the Chief Minister, recalling that Khemchand Singh was among India’s top Taekwondo players in the early 1980s. Lee noted that Khemchand Singh had won the Indian National Championship multiple times and was a pioneering figure in Taekwondo in India.
Lee highlighted that while many know Khemchand Singh as a political leader, he had been a Taekwondo champion long before entering politics, demonstrating his deep connection to the sport. This long-standing commitment serves as an inspiration for those learning Taekwondo, particularly the youth.
Manipur’s Minister of Home, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, remarked on the abundance of talent in various sports within the state. He expressed confidence that the Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 would lay the foundation for a robust and inclusive Taekwondo movement in Manipur.
The minister called for a sports culture that promotes discipline, equal opportunities, and recognition of talent and determination among youth. He urged young people to reject all forms of violence and contribute to building a peaceful society through sports.
The event also featured a demonstration of Manipur’s traditional martial art ‘Thang-Ta’ by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association. Students from Shinhan University in South Korea delivered an impressive performance, adding an international dimension to the opening ceremony.
These presentations highlighted the cultural and sporting ties between Manipur and South Korea, showcasing both traditional martial arts and modern Taekwondo to the audience.
