CM inaugurates 19th Governor’s Taekwondo Cup, calls for discipline and sportsmanship

OSR/DIPR
Imphal, Jul 11 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today formally inaugurated the 19th Governor’s Taekwondo Cup, Manipur 2026, organised by the All Manipur Taekwondo Association (AMTA), at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, Imphal. The championship, which will continue till July 15, has drawn a total of 1,141 players representing 29 units, comprising 691 men and 450 women.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister recalled that the Governor’s Taekwondo Cup was instituted in 1980 during his tenure as president of the All-Manipur Taekwondo Association after obtaining the approval of the then Governor. He expressed satisfaction that the championship has continued successfully over the years and has now reached its 19th edition.
Highlighting Manipur’s achievements in taekwondo, Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the dedicated efforts of the All-Manipur Taekwondo Association have produced more than 40 international players from the State. He attributed this success to the unwavering commitment of the association, its technical officials, coaches and teachers in nurturing talented sportspersons.
The Chief Minister, who is the first Indian to be conferred the prestigious 5th Dan in Traditional Taekwondo by the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation, Seoul, South Korea, said that taekwondo is not merely a competitive sport but a way of life that instils discipline, respect and self-confidence.
Emphasising the true spirit of taekwondo, he said that while every competition produces both winners and losers, the essence of the sport lies in competing with respect rather than hostility. He noted that taekwondo teaches discipline, mutual respect and friendship, and these values will remain even after the contest is over.
He further stressed that sports play a vital role in character building and urged the younger generation to respect their teachers in the same way taekwondo players honour and obey their coaches. He said that discipline is one of the greatest lessons that sports impart and encouraged students to pursue education alongside sports so that they grow into responsible and successful citizens.
The Chief Minister later formally declared the 19th Governor’s Taekwondo Cup, Manipur 2026 open, marking the official commencement of the championship, and wished all the participants success in the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Youth Affairs & Sports and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that many people may not be aware that the Chief Minister himself is a Taekwondo black belt holder and has consistently extended his support towards the promotion of the sport in the State.
He informed that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the Government has provided two sets of electronic scoring equipment and body protectors worth approximately Rs 24 lakh to strengthen taekwondo infrastructure in Manipur.
Observing that martial arts have been an integral part of Manipur’s rich cultural heritage since ancient times, Govindas said that people of the State possess a natural affinity for taekwondo.
He expressed confidence that Manipuri athletes would continue to excel at the national and international levels, bringing greater laurels to both the State and the country.
The opening ceremony was attended by MLA Heikham Dingo Singh; MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan; Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Naorem Praveen Singh; Director (YAS), Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh; officials of the AMTA; coaches; players and other dignitaries.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day of the competition saw Lambamayum Pradip of UTA beat M Devjit of LTA for the senior men’s 54 kg title as Leitanthem Rohit of LTA beat B Rahul Sharma of TTS Nambol for the 58 kg category gold.
L Bablu of TTS Nambol (63 kg), Anish Saikhom of TTA Khangabok (68 kg), S Malemnganba of KTA (74 kg), W Arson of TTS Nambol (80 kg), Saikhom James off TTA Khangabok (87 kg) and Khiraj Yumnam of UTA (87 kg) also won gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Martina Wahengbam of UTA meanwhile sealed the senior women’s 46 kg category title beating compatriot Priyadarshini in the final. Nongthombam Sania of UTA also beat compatriot Sapam Nancy for the senior women’s 49 kg category gold as Thiyam Lucky of TTS Nambol bagged the 53 kg category gold by defeating KTA’s Naorem Rebecca in the final.
Ak Devika of UTA (57 kg), Priyanka Leitanthem of UTA (62 kg), Angom Uttarani of TTS Nambol (67 kg), Soibam Tina of UTA (73 kg), and Moirangthem Dolly of PTA (+73 kg) also won gold medals today.