Srinagar, September 16, 2025 – The 10th State Level Pencak Silat Championship 2025-26 concluded on a high note at the Indoor Stadium Polo Ground here, reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir’s growing stature as a vibrant sports hub under the #BadaltaKashmir narrative. The three-day event, held from September 12 to 14, drew an impressive participation of around 1,200 athletes from schools, colleges, clubs, and academies across the Union Territory, showcasing the region’s burgeoning talent in the traditional Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat.Organized by the Pencak Silat Association of J&K in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, the championship featured intense competitions across various age groups, including pre-teen, sub-junior, junior, and senior categories for both boys and girls. It served as a crucial selection trial for the 13th Pre-Teen, Sub-Junior, and Junior National Pencak Silat Championship, scheduled for September 26-28 in Koppal, Karnataka.
Medals were distributed amid cheers, with standout performances from athletes like J&K Police’s Saksham Dabgotra, who clinched a silver medal, highlighting the discipline and determination fostered through such platforms.The event injected fresh optimism into the sport’s ecosystem, with announcements of an upcoming international coaching camp. The Pencak Silat Federation of India revealed plans to bring in a foreign coach for a three-month training program, benefiting around 100 athletes nationwide. This development aligns with the excitement building for the 3rd Junior Asian Championship, set to unfold in Srinagar from September 25-30, attracting over 300 competitors from more than 15 countries and further elevating the Valley’s profile in global sports.”This championship is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of youth potential and a positive projection of Kashmir’s transformation,” said Nasir Ahmad Digoo, President of the J&K Pencak Silat Association.
Athletes echoed the sentiment, expressing joy over the specialized training opportunities and the chance to compete internationally on home turf.Such initiatives not only provide a constructive outlet for the youth to channel their energy but also dispel outdated stereotypes, sending a resounding positive image of Kashmir worldwide. By nurturing talent in martial arts and beyond, events like these underscore the Valley’s shift towards peace, progress, and sporting excellence, inspiring a new generation to pursue dreams on national and international stages.As Srinagar gears up to host the Asian Junior Championship, the successful wrap-up of this state-level event marks another milestone in #BadaltaKashmir’s journey to becoming a premier destination for sports and cultural exchange.
