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Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 13 (EMN): Manipur Governor La Ganesan inaugurated the 16th Governor's Taekwondo Cup tournament at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak Imphal on May 12.
Addressing the gathering, Ganesan said, “Taekwondo is the way of the foot and fist, a form of self defending with only bare hands and feet. No weapons are ever used in Taekwondo”.
Stating that Manipur has rich heritage of martial arts like Thang-ta (Sword and Spear) that has constituted a significant component of the culture of the people, he added that Manipuri martial arts have been a characteristic attribute of the history and civilization of the state.
The governor expressed his hope that the tournament will help in studying philosophy in finding out the requirements for further development of the art. Efforts made by All Manipur Taekwondo Association deserved encouragement and support, which will help in popularising and promoting taekwondo in the state, he added.
He also congratulated the players, who won the match and encouraged the losers not to get dishearten always.
Social Welfare, Skill, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship and Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo Singh also attended the occasion as functional president and addressed the gathering.
International players, Nongdairel Khaba and Priyadhashini led the oath taking by the players. Two minute silence was observed to pay respect to the expired founding members of taekwondo of Manipur.
The taekwondo tournament which started from May 12 will continue till May 15 with 80 matches during the four-day event.
The tournament is participated by 630 players, including 218 girls and 412 boys from 26 units of All Manipur Taekwondo Association.