The 1st State Pencak Silat Coaching Camp and Regional Referee Training Programme is underway at Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy here from December 11 to 20.
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The 1st State Pencak Silat Coaching Camp and Regional Referee Training Programme is underway at Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy here from December 11 to 20, with due approval from the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF).
Organised by the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association, the camp has brought together 67 athletes and coaches from Nagaland and other northeastern states for intensive training focused on technical upgradation, performance enhancement and officiating in line with international standards.
The programme is being conducted under the guidance of experienced Pencak Silat coaches from Nagaland, along with international referee and national coach Prem Singh Thapa. Thapa recently qualified as an international referee at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
His involvement has strengthened the referee training component, providing participants with detailed exposure to international rules, scoring systems, refereeing protocols and match management.
Pencak Silat is a globally recognised martial art and competitive sport governed by the International Pencak Silat Federation and featured in major multi-sport events, including the Asian Games, Asian Youth Games, SEA Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, BRICS Games (selected editions), Islamic Solidarity Games and the FISU World University Games.
In India, the sport is officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and is promoted through national and regional championships, Khelo India Games, National Games, Northeast Games, Police Games, ASMITA Khelo India Leagues and university-level competitions.
In Nagaland, Pencak Silat is formally recognised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, enabling structured development, official participation and government support for athletes.
The coaching camp aims to familiarise athletes and officials with newly introduced techniques, competition formats and refereeing rules. Emphasis is being laid on technical refinement, tactical awareness, discipline, physical conditioning and competitive readiness.
Organisers said the camp would contribute significantly to the growth and professional development of Pencak Silat in Nagaland and the Northeast, producing well-trained athletes and qualified referees capable of competing at higher levels.
They added that the initiative reflects a strong commitment towards sports excellence, youth empowerment and international exposure, reinforcing Pencak Silat as a discipline with long-term potential in the country.
