Nagaland elite Pencak Silat athletes undergoing national training in Srinagar

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): Four elite athletes from the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association have been selected to undergo an intensive three-month National Elite Training and Coaching Programme at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of the “Pencak Silat – Road to Olympic” initiative.

The programme, organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, has brought together the top 100 athletes from across India with the aim of grooming high-performance players to represent the country at the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The training is being conducted under the guidance of renowned international coach and Pencak Silat legend Suhud Indratno from Indonesia, a highly respected martial artist, educator and mentor in the global Silat community. The national training camp in Srinagar focuses on technical mastery, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning and psychological preparedness, equipping athletes with international-standard training methodologies.

Representing Nagaland at the national camp are Kitenlo K. Thono, Kevin, Hinokali and Avikali V. Shequi — all accomplished national and international medalists who have consistently brought laurels to the state through their performances in major championships, including the National Games, Asian Championships, North East Games and Khelo India events. 

The Nagaland Pencak Silat Association expressed immense pride in the selection of its athletes, stating that training under international coach Suhud Indratno is a remarkable opportunity. “His vast experience and modern training approach are shaping India’s future champions for the Asian and Olympic Games. We are proud that our Nagaland athletes are part of this journey toward excellence,” it stated.

The Association also extended its gratitude to Iqbal, Director General of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF), and Suhud Indratno for their dedicated efforts in uplifting the standard of Indian Pencak Silat.