The Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium crackled with anticipation on 27 May 2026 as Grand Master Jun Lee of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation presented Yumnam Khemchand Singh with the coveted 9th‑Dan title. The ceremony, part of the inaugural Manipur State Poomsae Taekwondo Championship, unfolded before a room of MLAs, coaches and students, all eager to see the state’s new champion of the sport.
Khemchand Singh’s journey to the podium traces back to the early 1980s, when he dominated national taekwondo contests and helped popularise the discipline in India. Jun Lee praised him, calling him one of the country’s most distinguished practitioners and noting that his competitive record predates his political career.
Govindas Konthoujam, Minister of Home and Youth Affairs, stressed that the championship is a stepping‑stone toward a stronger, more inclusive taekwondo culture. He urged young athletes to channel their energy into sport rather than violence, framing the event as a peace‑building initiative.
The program also featured a traditional Thang‑Ta demonstration by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang‑Ta Cultural Association and a performance by students from Shinhan University, South Korea. A 31‑member delegation, including Olympic medallist Hwang Kyung‑Seon, arrived on 19 October and will stay through 24 October, bringing expertise to local coaches and athletes.
With the state’s first national championship now under its belt, the government plans to schedule subsequent editions annually and to invite international judges to raise competitive standards. The next championship is slated for 2027, with the goal of positioning Manipur as a regional hub for taekwondo excellence.