Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said martial arts legend Bruce Lee inspired him to pursue Taekwondo after watching the iconic film Enter the Dragon during his youth.

Speaking at a Manipuri film event in Imphal on May 28, Yumnam Singh said cinema has the power to influence and motivate people. Recalling his younger days, he said watching Enter the Dragon in 1978-79 left a deep impact on him and inspired him to travel to Lucknow to learn Taekwondo.

“I want to say that cinema can motivate people. In 1978/79, when Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon was released, it motivated me. I even went to Lucknow and learnt Taekwondo,” he said.

The 63-year-old chief minister has been practising martial arts since the age of 16 and has maintained a long association with Taekwondo alongside his political career.

A black belt holder, Yumnam Khemchand earlier served as vice-president of the Taekwondo Federation of India and played an active role in promoting the sport across the Northeast.

The Chief Minister assured all possible support from the Manipur government for the growth and development of Manipuri cinema.