Shillong, July 7: Meghalaya struck gold on home turf, winning its first two gold medals in the artistic seni categories at the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026.
The three-day event at the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU campus has drawn around 1,500 martial artists from 36 states, UTs and sports boards. It is being organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation in collaboration with the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association.
Meghalaya fighters also made their mark in the combat tanding category on day 2. Anthony Shadap stormed into the pre-quarterfinals with a 6-2 win over Benjamin Lalrindika of Mizoram.
In a nail-biting women’s bout, Sumita Klein came from behind to edge Kerala’s Sanooja K 19-18, scoring the winner in the final second. Anisha Phangcho advanced to the pre-quarters after her Uttar Pradesh opponent was docked for repeated infractions and finished on -17.
Additional Superintendent of Police Neena Rabha, chief guest on day 2, said pencak silat demands the same discipline, training and teamwork as the police force.
Pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art and Asian Games sport, combines kicks, punches and takedowns in combat bouts.
The championship concludes on Wednesday. Nongpoh MLA and Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board Chairman Mayralborn Syiem will be the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
