13th Governor's Taekwondo Cup begins
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 04 2017:
Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla today kicked off the 13th Governor's Taekwondo Cup, Manipur 2017 at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium.
The Cup is being organized by the All Manipur Taekwondo Association (AMTA) and will continue till May 7 .
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Najma Heptulla stated that Taekwondo is an old martial art form used in self-defence with bare hands and feet.
No weapons are ever used in the discipline.
The knowledge of Taekwondo is dangerous if the high moral character and discipline are not maintained by the practitioners.
It inculcates respect towards elders.
Taekwondo helps one and all to concentrate and become more self confident and self-reliant.
In this discipline of sports, emphasis has always been given not only to the development of strength and skill but also to self-discipline and personal character of the practitioners, the Governor remarked.
Respect for the opponents and human values are also treated as equally important by the Gurus of these sports.
Over the past 50 years, more than 40 million people in 142 countries have taken to Taekwondo.
Now, it is an official Olympic event and was introduced at the Sydney Australia Olympic Games in the year 2000, she said.
Saying that the 13th Governor's Taekwondo Cup, Manipur 2017 will help in popularizing and promoting the discipline in the State, the Governor added that the players will compete in the tournament in the true spirit of sportsmanship for fulfilling the lofty objectives of the game.
Yumnam Khemchand, Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly and Letpao Haokip, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister graced the inaugural function as the president and guest of honour respectively.
AMTA's president Bobby Waikhom was also on the dais.