The esteemed and valuable honor of Grand Master 9th Dan of Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) has been bestowed upon the honourable personage of M. Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur State Government.
The honour was given by the President of GTTF, Grand Master Jun Lee during the inaugural function function of the first Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
The ceremony underscored the Ongoing association of the Chief Minister with Taekwondo and his efforts in making the Taekwondo strongly popular in India. During the programme, Khemchand Singh also played with his martial art, as testimonies of his reflexes, all those present took notice of him.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister hoped the championship would offer more opportunities and exposure to the young taekwondo players of Manipur to make them world-class.
He also asked countrymen in the person of a delegation led by Jun Lee from the Republic of Korea, the homeland of taekwondo to participate in the event. It is believed that the event will help in the growth of the sport in Manipur and motivate the young athletes to take it up professionally.
The Poomsae championship would help boost Taekwondo’s presence and position in the state, adding to the broader acceptance of the sport, Khemchand Singh said.
Hon’ble Chief Minister’s achievements were applauded, and Jun Lee praised him as one of the most outstanding taekwondo practitioners in the early 1980s in India. He said Khemchand Singh is a multiple national taekwondo champion and one of the pioneers to popularise and establish itself in the country.
The recognition is an historic milestone for the martial arts community in Manipur. The state championship gathers the practitioners and is hoped to drive participation, enhance competitive standards and provide potential for the development of emerging practitioners to aim for national and international success.