Imphal: Union Taekwondo Academy, Yumnam Leikai lifted the overall team champion title of the 17th Governor’s Taekwondo Cup 2023 at the Khuman Lampak indoor stadium in Imphal on April 30.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey was present as chief guest of the closing function at Khuman Lampak indoor stadium in Imphal. Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh of Manipur Legislative Assembly and Chairman Konkham Robindro of MANIDCO were also present during the ceremony.
Speaking during the event, the governor said that the purpose of games and sports is primarily to inculcate ideas of discipline, orderliness, team spirit, leadership qualities and patriotism in young minds.
She said if the youth are properly associated with sports, they will use their sporting qualities in their daily lives which will make the nation vibrant.
“Manipur has a rich heritage of martial arts like Thang-Ta which is an important component of the culture of the people.
“Manipuri Martial arts have been a distinctive feature of the state’s history and civilization,” she said, adding that Taekwondo is a sport of discipline and a form of self-defence using bare hands and feet. It has become one of the most popular sports in the world and is played by more than 40 million people from more than 142 countries in the world.This game is becoming popular in the state and has also produced many talented players.
Acknowledging the contribution of the youth of the state in the field of sports, the governor said many players of Manipur are playing in different disciplines of sports representing India and they are bringing laurels for the nation. She said, “we all are proud of them and hope that they will bring fame in future too”. Governor thanked the players, officials and organisers of the tournament and wished them for success in their future endeavours.
President of All Manipur Taekwondo Association Bobby Waikhom handed over cash incentives to the winning teams.