Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation confers Grand Master 9th Dan title on Chief Minister Khemchand

The Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) on Wednesday conferred the Grand Master 9th Dan title on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

The title was presented to the Chief Minister by GTTF President Grand Master Jun Lee during the inaugural function of the 1st Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship 2026 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal.

During the function, the Chief Minister also showcased his martial arts skills and reflexes, reflecting his years of dedication and experience in the discipline.

Speaking on the occasion, Khemchand said the championship, being organised with the participation of a team led by GTTF President Jun Lee from the Republic of Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo, would help elevate Manipur's Taekwondo practitioners to the international level.

Khemchand Singh also 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.

In his address, Jun Lee lauded the Chief Minister as one of India's most outstanding Taekwondo practitioners in the early 1980s. Lee said Khemchand had won the Indian National Championship multiple times and was one of the legendary pioneers of Taekwondo in India.

He added that while many people knew Khemchand as a political leader, he had been a Taekwondo champion long before entering politics and remained deeply connected to the discipline.

Home and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam urged young people to shun all forms of violence and contribute to building a peaceful society through sports.

It is worth mentioning that the 31-member GTTF delegation, which is visiting Manipur from October 19 to 24, includes three-time Olympic medallist Hwang Kyung-Seon.