Shillong, Jul 6: The 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026 began here today at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU campus, with around 1,500 martial artists from 36 states, territories and sports boards all competing in an intensely competitive atmosphere.
The three-day championship is being organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) in collaboration with the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association (MPSA).
Pencak silat is a type of Indonesian martial art form that is part of the Asian Games. Participants in this championship are competing both in combat (tanding) and artistic (seni) categories.
At the opening ceremony a memorandum was submitted to the chief guest, Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) Working President John F Kharshiing, on taking the sport forwards in Meghalaya and the region. In his speech, Kharshiing said that the finalisation of sports for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya next year is ongoing with discussions taking place between the central government, state government, Indian Olympic Association and MSOA.
In her speech, Philia Thomas, the Senior Vice-President of the IPSF, recounted how pencak silat has grown from scratch in India over the years. “Ten years ago the sport had no recognition, no infrastructure, no future. There were only a few dedicated coaches and a few players in a handful of states who kept it going,” she said. “Now, championships are happening at the district, state and national levels and India is winning medals internationally. We have truly made pencak silat our own.”
Other speakers included IPSF President Kishore Yealiah, MPSA President Dipshon Ryntathiang and Head of the Tournament Committee Alexander Thomas.
Then followed a mesmerising demonstration of all that pencak silat has to offer, with a team of martial artists putting on a stellar choreographed performance that wowed not just those who had never seen this martial art form before but even the seasoned athletes.
A contingent from host state Meghalaya is taking part and the young fighters will be hoping to make their mark on the national stage, even if the MPSA is barely a year old. Meghalaya’s women athletes performed brilliantly in March’s Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League, where Meghalaya were the Overall Champions, and this event provides yet another opportunity for the state’s youngsters to shine.
