Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday called for concerted efforts to promote and preserve the indigenous sports, traditional arts, and rich cultural practices of the state's diverse communities, addressing a gathering at the Astro Turf Ground in Senapati district. His remarks came during a live demonstration of Naga Indigenous Wrestling (Pyacha), organised by the Senapati District Wrestling Association Manipur (SDWAM).

Naga Wrestling and the Call for Cultural Recognition

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh drew a pointed comparison between Naga Indigenous Wrestling (Pyacha) and the Meitei traditional wrestling form of Mukna, observing that each of Manipur's communities possesses distinctive sporting practices that deserve recognition, encouragement, and promotion. He said he had travelled to Senapati specifically to encourage greater visibility for Naga Indigenous Wrestling — a gesture seen as bridging the cultural divide between the valley and hill communities of the state.

The event drew participants from 25 communities across the state, a turnout the Chief Minister described as a powerful symbol of unity. Manipur is home to 36 communities, and Khemchand Singh expressed satisfaction that such a large cross-section had come together for the occasion.

A Chief Minister with a Martial Arts Background

Speaking about his personal connection to traditional combat sports, Khemchand Singh recalled practising Thang-Ta — the classical Meitei martial art — during his childhood. He added that watching Bruce Lee's film 'Enter the Dragon' in the 1970s, while studying in Class IX, deeply influenced him and led him to take up Taekwondo.

Notably, he was recently conferred the title of Grand Master 9th DAN in Traditional Taekwondo by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF). The honour was presented by GTTF President Grand Master Jun Lee at the inaugural function of the First Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026, held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal.

The Shaolin Parallel and Manipur's Untapped Heritage Potential

The Chief Minister invoked the example of the Shaolin's 36 Chambers in China, which draws martial arts researchers and enthusiasts from across the world, arguing that Manipur's indigenous sports and cultural traditions hold comparable global potential. He stressed that the state's heritage ecosystem deserved far greater investment, documentation, and international outreach.

This comes amid an ongoing conversation in the Northeast about preserving tribal and community-specific traditions that risk erosion as younger generations migrate to urban centres. The Chief Minister's remarks signal a policy intent, though no specific funding or institutional framework was announced at the event.

Peace, Unity, and Responsibility of Elders

Beyond cultural promotion, Khemchand Singh used the occasion to call for the restoration of peace in Manipur, emphasising that the present generation of elders carries a collective responsibility to create a stable environment for the younger generation. He said that such cross-community sporting events send a strong message of unity across the state's ethnic lines.

The event also marked Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, paying tribute to legendary freedom fighter Birsa Munda and recognising his contributions to India's tribal communities. Sports gear and kits were distributed to players representing Senapati district, and the Chief Minister formally inaugurated an exhibition football match between Senapati FC and Hills Academy (U-15 Boys).

The function was attended by MLA Poanam Brojen, the Commissioner (Home), the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, government officers, teachers, and students. As Manipur continues to navigate ethnic tensions, events that bring communities together around shared sporting traditions may carry significance well beyond the playing field.