Shillong, July 6: The 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026 opened today at the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU campus, bringing together around 1,500 martial artists from 36 states, union territories and sports boards for three days of intense competition.
Organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation in partnership with the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association, the championship features both combat or tanding and artistic or seni categories of the Indonesian martial art, which is part of the Asian Games.
A memorandum seeking support to further develop the sport in Meghalaya and the Northeast was submitted to chief guest John F. Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, during the inaugural. Addressing the gathering, Kharshiing said discussions are underway among the central government, state government, Indian Olympic Association and MSOA to finalise the sports for the 39th National Games that Meghalaya will host next year.
IPSF Senior Vice-President Philia Thomas spoke about the journey of pencak silat in India. “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.”
IPSF President Kishore Yealiah, MPSA President Dipshon Ryntathiang and Tournament Committee Head Alexander Thomas also addressed the event. The opening concluded with a sharp, choreographed demonstration by a team of martial artists that drew cheers from both first-time spectators and seasoned athletes.
The host state has entered a contingent of its own. Though the MPSA is just over a year old, hopes are riding high after Meghalaya’s women topped the Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League in March to be declared Overall Champions. The Shillong meet now gives the state’s young fighters another shot at making their mark nationally.
