Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was conferred the prestigious Grand Master 9th DAN title by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, in recognition of his lifelong association with and contribution to the martial art. The honour was presented at the inaugural function of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 held at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.

A Champion Before Politics

GTTF President Grand Master Jun Lee, who flew in from South Korea — the birthplace of Taekwondo — personally presented the title to the Chief Minister. Lee described Khemchand Singh as one of India's most outstanding Taekwondo practitioners of the early 1980s, noting that he had won the Indian National Championship multiple times and was among the pioneering figures who helped establish the sport in the country.

'Many people know Khemchand Singh as a political leader, but long before entering politics, he had been a Taekwondo champion and continued to remain deeply associated with the martial art,' Lee said. He added that the Chief Minister's enduring connection with Taekwondo served as an inspiration for aspiring practitioners, particularly the younger generation.

Championship to Elevate Manipur's Taekwondo Standards

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the championship — organised in collaboration with a delegation led by GTTF President Jun Lee — would help raise the standards of Taekwondo practitioners in Manipur and open pathways for them to compete at the international level. He expressed hope that the Poomsae Championship would contribute to the long-term growth and development of the discipline in the state.

During the function, Khemchand Singh also demonstrated his martial arts skills, drawing applause from the audience and offering a glimpse of his decades of training and experience.

Cultural Ties Between Manipur and South Korea on Display

The inaugural event featured a demonstration of Thang-Ta, the traditional martial art of Manipur, presented by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association. Students from Shinhan University, South Korea, also delivered a performance, adding an international dimension to the proceedings. Together, the showcases highlighted the deep cultural and sporting ties between Manipur and South Korea.

Notably, the visiting 31-member GTTF delegation, which is in Manipur from 19 to 24 October 2026, includes three-time Olympic champion Hwang Kyung-Seon. The delegation's participation is expected to facilitate meaningful exchanges between local practitioners and world-class Taekwondo experts.

Sports as a Path to Peace

Manipur Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh highlighted the state's rich sporting talent and expressed confidence that the Poomsae Taekwondo Championship would serve as a foundation for building a stronger, more inclusive Taekwondo movement in Manipur. He called for fostering a sporting culture rooted in discipline, equal opportunity, and recognition of talent, while urging youth to abandon all forms of violence and channel energy into building a peaceful society through sports.

The event was attended by several MLAs, senior administrative officers, officials of the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department, coaches, students, parents, and other dignitaries. With international champions and Korean university students on the floor alongside local athletes, the championship signals a new chapter for Taekwondo in Manipur.