Shillong, Mar 26: The Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League 2025-26 began here today, bringing this particularly interesting martial art form to Meghalaya in a big way.
Around 300 female participants from 23 states and territories, including Meghalaya, are taking part in the two-day event at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU campus here.
Pencak silat is a type of Indonesian martial arts. Sparring and artistic demonstrations are the two broad categories being held.
The ASMITA league is a central government initiative to promote, strengthen and encourage Indian female sportspersons in a variety of different disciplines. This particular event is being organised by SAI, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Indian Pencak Silat Federation and Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association.
The chief guest at the inaugural ceremony was Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and the guest of honour was Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing.
An engaging cultural programme and demonstration of pencak silat were held at the inauguration and Shylla praised the athletes for the exciting demo.
“To reach the nationals means you have already achieved something at the state level, so congratulations to you,” the minister told the gathered athletes.
He also praised the ASMITA initiative to promote women in sport and told the athletes and officials from around the country that Meghalaya’s indigenous communities have been empowering their women for centuries.
Shylla then informed those present that Meghalaya has invested a great deal in sports – athletes, infrastructure and equipment – since 2018 and he promised that pencak silat’s inclusion in the 39th National Games 2027, which Meghalaya will host, will be considered.
(Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association photo)