GUWAHATI: Yumnam Khemchand Singh embodies discipline in every aspect of his life, from the martial arts mat to the political arena. As Manipur prepares to welcome its new Chief Minister, this taekwondo master's dual identities converge at a critical juncture when the state desperately requires stability and equilibrium.
A Leader Forged in Discipline
Elected on Tuesday as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's legislature party, the 62-year-old MLA from Singjamei in Imphal West district is poised to assume leadership after nearly a year of President's rule in Manipur. This period has been marked by devastating ethnic conflict that has left deep scars across the northeastern state.
Martial Arts Excellence Meets Political Leadership
Khemchand Singh brings an extraordinary credential to the chief minister's office: he is the first Indian to receive a 5th Dan black belt in traditional South Korean taekwondo. This prestigious rank is typically reserved for senior masters and custodians of the martial art, representing decades of dedication and expertise.
The honor was formally conferred late last year in Seoul, where Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation vice president Mayong Suk presented him with a certificate signed by six grandmasters led by federation president Jun Lee. Although Khemchand had successfully cleared the promotion test in October 2024, his travel to South Korea was delayed due to the ongoing violence in Manipur.
"Grateful to the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation for conferring upon me the Certificate of 5th Dan in Traditional Taekwondo - the first of its kind in India," he expressed on social media following the recognition.
A Spiritual Connection to Korean Martial Arts
For Khemchand, Korea holds a significance that transcends mere physical training. He has often described it as possessing a near-spiritual pull. "Every Meitei elder feels that Hinduism is not complete without visiting Vrindavan during their lifetime," he told a public gathering in Singjamei last month. "Likewise, I also felt that learning taekwondo art is incomplete without visiting Korea."
From Training Halls to Political Corridors
Long before entering politics, Khemchand's life revolved around the dojang - the traditional taekwondo training hall. His martial arts journey commenced at the age of 16, shortly after completing his class 10 examinations from Imphal's Ram Lal Paul High School in 1978. His dedication took him to Korea in 1990, where he graduated from Kukkiwon, the prestigious World Taekwondo Academy.
Remarkably, even before his formal graduation, Khemchand had begun introducing Korean martial arts to northeastern India. He founded the All Assam Taekwondo Association in 1982, during the peak of the anti-foreigner agitation movement. His influence expanded as he rose to become vice president of the Taekwondo Federation of India.
Deep Roots in Assam's Martial Arts Landscape
Khemchand's impact on Assam's martial arts community has been substantial. Following the 1985 Assam Accord that brought Asom Gana Parishad to power, several ministers counted themselves among his students. His expertise extended to training Assam police personnel in taekwondo discipline, blending physical training with mental fortitude.
Political Ascendancy and Administrative Experience
Khemchand's political career began to flourish from 2017 when he started representing Singjamei constituency. He served as the Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker from 2017 to 2022, demonstrating parliamentary expertise. Subsequently, he joined the second N Biren Singh government as a cabinet minister, overseeing crucial portfolios including:
- Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD)
- Rural Development
- Panchayati Raj
- Education
Interestingly, his predecessor N Biren Singh brought his own sports background to the chief minister's office as a former footballer with the Border Security Force.
Crossing Ethnic Boundaries for Reconciliation
In December last year, Khemchand undertook a significant gesture that demonstrated his commitment to healing Manipur's divisions. He visited Kuki-Zo villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, becoming the first Meitei politician to reach across ethnic lines since violence erupted on May 3, 2023. This quiet but powerful outreach effort has subtly repositioned him as a potential reconciler in a conflict that has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands in clashes between Meiteis and Kukis.
A Philosophy of Control and Restraint
As Manipur searches for equilibrium amid ongoing tensions, a black-belt chief minister steps forward with a unique perspective on conflict resolution. Trained in an art that emphasizes absorbing force rather than amplifying it, Khemchand brings martial arts philosophy to governance. He understands intimately the fundamental lesson of controlled response: control first and strike last.
This principle, deeply ingrained through decades of taekwondo practice, may prove invaluable as he navigates the complex political and social landscape of Manipur. His journey from dojang to the chief minister's office represents more than a personal achievement - it offers a potential blueprint for disciplined, measured leadership during turbulent times.
