Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has received the prestigious Grand Master 9th Dan title from the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF). He received the honour on October 21 during the inauguration of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 in Imphal. The Chief Minister also demonstrated his martial arts skills and reflexes at the event, highlighting his long association with the sport.
The ceremony took place at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium. It brought together sports officials, athletes, coaches and international representatives. The recognition also highlighted Singh’s contribution to promoting Taekwondo in India long before he entered politics.
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Manipur CM Receives Grand Master 9th Dan Title
GTTF president Grand Master Jun Lee presented the title to Chief Minister Khemchand Singh during the championship’s inaugural ceremony. The award recognised his longstanding association with Taekwondo and his contribution to the martial art.
The 9th Dan represents a senior rank in Taekwondo. It recognises years of experience, dedication and achievement in the discipline.
Singh’s recognition has drawn attention to his sporting background. Although many people know him as Manipur’s Chief Minister, he built a reputation as a Taekwondo practitioner before entering public life.
His achievement also highlights the connection between sports and leadership. Discipline, commitment and perseverance remain important in both fields.
Chief Minister Demonstrates His Martial Arts Skills
During the event, Singh showcased his Taekwondo skills and quick reflexes. His demonstration reflected his continued connection with the discipline and years of experience in martial arts.
Singh began training in Taekwondo at the age of 16. He later became one of the prominent figures associated with the sport’s development in India.
His participation added a personal dimension to the championship. It also offered young athletes an opportunity to see a senior political leader demonstrate his sporting abilities.
The event highlighted the importance of continued practice and dedication. It also encouraged young people to explore martial arts as a way to build confidence, discipline and physical fitness.
Jun Lee Praises Singh’s Contribution to Taekwondo
GTTF president Grand Master Jun Lee praised Singh for his achievements in the sport. He described the Chief Minister as one of India’s outstanding Taekwondo practitioners during the early 1980s.
Lee noted that Singh had won the Indian National Championship multiple times. He also credited him with playing a pioneering role in popularising Taekwondo in the country.
Singh helped establish the All Assam Taekwondo Association and served as its founding president. He also played a role in the development of the Taekwondo Federation of India, where he served as vice-president.
Lee emphasised that Singh’s involvement with Taekwondo began well before his political career. His long association with the sport, he said, reflected a lasting commitment to martial arts.
Taekwondo Championship Aims to Promote Local Talent
Addressing the gathering, Singh expressed confidence that the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship would help local practitioners improve their skills.
He said the event could provide athletes with greater exposure to international standards. It could also help them prepare for competitions beyond the state.
The championship featured participation from a delegation led by Jun Lee from South Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. Singh expressed hope that the international involvement would strengthen the sport in Manipur.
He also stressed the need to promote Taekwondo among young people. Better training opportunities and exposure to international expertise could help local athletes develop their abilities.
Manipur Government Calls for a Stronger Sporting Culture
Manipur Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam also addressed the gathering. He said the state had abundant sporting talent across different disciplines.
The minister expressed confidence that the championship would help build a stronger and more inclusive Taekwondo movement in Manipur. He called for a sporting environment that values discipline, equal opportunities and individual determination.
Konthoujam also urged young people to reject violence and contribute to a peaceful society through sports. His message highlighted the role of athletics in encouraging positive behaviour and bringing communities together.
Sports can provide young people with constructive opportunities to develop their skills. They can also promote teamwork, mutual respect and healthy competition.
Event Showcases Manipur’s Traditional Martial Arts
The inaugural programme also celebrated the region’s cultural heritage. The Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association presented a demonstration of Thang-Ta, Manipur’s traditional martial art.
Students from South Korea’s Shinhan University also performed at the event. Their participation added an international dimension to the ceremony and highlighted cultural links between India and South Korea.
A 31-member GTTF delegation is visiting Manipur from October 19 to 24. The delegation includes Hwang Kyung-Seon, a three-time Olympic medallist in Taekwondo.
The visit offers opportunities for local practitioners to interact with international experts. Such exchanges can support technical learning and encourage greater participation in the sport.
Recognition Could Inspire the Next Generation
Singh’s Grand Master 9th Dan title highlights his long contribution to Taekwondo. His journey from martial arts practitioner to Chief Minister also brings attention to the value of discipline and perseverance.
The championship provides a platform for Manipur’s athletes to demonstrate their abilities. It also creates opportunities to strengthen training, promote international cooperation and expand interest in Taekwondo.
With continued support from sports organisations and the state government, Manipur can work towards developing more competitive athletes. Singh’s recognition may also inspire young practitioners to pursue their sporting ambitions.
The event combined personal achievement, athletic development and cultural exchange. It reinforced the importance of sports in nurturing talent, promoting discipline and building stronger connections between communities.
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