Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is set to host the 3rd Asian Junior Pencak Silat Championship from September 25 to 30, 2025, at the Indoor Stadium, Polo Ground. Organized by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation in collaboration with the Pencak Silat Federation of Asia (PFA), International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT), and the J&K Sports Council, this prestigious event is expected to draw around 300 athletes, coaches, and officials from over 15 countries across Asia. The championship will showcase young talent in the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat, promoting sports excellence, cultural exchange, and sports tourism in the region.
Event Highlights
The championship will feature a variety of competitive categories for both boys and girls, including:
- Tanding: Match or fighting category, emphasising combat skills.
- Tunggal: Solo artistic performance showcasing individual techniques.
- Ganda: Two-player artistic team performance.
- Regu: Three-player artistic team event.
These events will provide a platform for young athletes to display their skills in both competitive and artistic aspects of Pencak Silat, fostering discipline, fitness, and sportsmanship.
Boosting Sports Tourism
The event is poised to enhance Srinagar’s reputation as a hub for international sporting events. Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, emphasized that hosting such high-profile tournaments will boost sports tourism in Kashmir, placing the region firmly on the global sporting map. The championship follows other successful Pencak Silat events in the region, such as the Asmita Pencak Silat League 2025, which saw over 500 female athletes participate, reinforcing the region’s growing prominence in martial arts.
Regional Representation
The tournament will see strong participation from Jammu and Kashmir, with nine students from J&K and two from Ladakh representing the region. This follows the success of J&K teams at the 11th National Pencak Silat Championships in Patna, where they emerged as overall champions with 27 gold, 22 silver, and 28 bronze medals. The event will also serve as a stepping stone for athletes aiming to compete in global tournaments, such as the Junior World Pencak Silat Championship.
Official Statements
During the inauguration of the Asmita Pencak Silat League 2025, Ms. Nuzhat Gul highlighted the growing popularity of Pencak Silat, particularly among women, and praised the role of parents in encouraging young athletes. Mamta Shree Ojha, Director of Khelo India Games, Sports Authority of India, commended the organizers and the enthusiastic support from the local community, noting Srinagar’s hospitality as a key factor in hosting such events.
Significance for SrinagarThe championship marks a significant milestone in nurturing local talent and expanding the reach of Pencak Silat in Jammu and Kashmir. With the J&K Sports Council sponsoring and supporting such initiatives, the region is fostering a culture of fitness and discipline among its youth. The event also aligns with the Khelo India initiative, which aims to promote sports at the grassroots level and empower athletes, particularly women.
