Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was conferred the Grand Master 9th DAN by Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) today. He was presented the title by the President of GTTF Grand Master Mr. Jun Lee at the inaugural function of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal.
During the function, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh showcased his martial arts skills and reflexes, reflecting his years of dedication and experience in the discipline.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the championship, being organised with the participation of a team led by GTTF President Mr. Jun Lee, who hails from the Republic of Korea, the country where the discipline originated, would help elevate the status of Taekwondo aspirants in Manipur to the international level.
Khemchand Singh expressed hope that the Poomsae Championship would contribute to the growth and development of Taekwondo and take the discipline to greater heights in the future.
While delivering his speech, Mr. Jun Lee lauding the Chief Minister stated that Khemchand Singh is one of India’s most outstanding taekwondo practitioners in the early 1980’s. He won the India National Championship multiple times and was one of the legendary pioneers of Taekwondo in India, he added.
He maintained that many know him as a leader but long before he entered the politics, he was a Taekwondo Champion and he is still a taekwondo man.
Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that Manipur has abundant sporting talent across various disciplines. He said that the Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 would serve as a foundation for building a stronger and more inclusive Taekwondo movement in Manipur.
He further called for fostering a sporting culture shaped by discipline, equal opportunities and the recognition of talent and determination among the youth. He urged young people to leave all forms of violence behind and contribute towards building a peaceful society through sports.
As part of the programme a Thang-Ta (traditional Manipur Martial Art) show was performed by Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association and a breathtaking performance showcased by the students from Shinhan University, South Korea.
Mentioned may be made that the 31-member GTTF delegation, which is on a visit to Manipur from October 19th to 24th, 2026, includes three times Olympic medallist Ms. Hwang Kyung-Seon.
The programme was attended by MLAs; Senior Administrative officers; Senior officials of the YAS department; coaches; students and parents among others.
