Nagaland emerge overall champions at 8th NE Pencak Silat C’ship

Dimapur, September 16 (MExN): Nagaland emerged overall champions at the 8th North East Pencak Silat Championship, securing 47 gold, 26 silver and seven bronze medals for a total of 80 medals.

The three-day championship was held from September 11 to 13 at the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Centre (NSRCC) in Agartala, Tripura, and featured 460 athletes from all eight northeastern states.

The participants competed in Pre-Teen, Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior categories for both boys and girls.

The championship was organised by the North East Pencak Silat Federation under the aegis of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and hosted by the Pencak Silat Association of Tripura.

Assam finished as the first runners-up, while Manipur secured the second runners-up position and hosts Tripura were placed third runners-up.

The standout performers were felicitated with trophies and cash awards by the federation.

Huiningsumbam Lamnganba of Manipur was named Best Male Player, while Prerana Hazarika of Assam was adjudged Best Female Player.

Kitenlo K Thono of Nagaland was named Best Official (Male), while Gungun Yadav of Assam received the Best Official (Female) award.

Nagaland Pencak Silat Association president Khevishe Sema and officials of the state's contingent attributed the team's success to rigorous training, strong support from sporting bodies in the state and the dedication of the athletes and coaching staff.

The victory, they said, further strengthens Nagaland's reputation as a leading state in Pencak Silat in the northeastern region.

The championship was also noted for its high standard of competition and organisation at the NSRCC facility, with enthusiastic participation from athletes representing all eight northeastern states and the presence of distinguished guests highlighting the growing prominence of Pencak Silat in the region.