Shillong, Mar 27: Meghalaya demonstrated its potential in another martial art form after being crowned Champions of the Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League 2025-26, which came to a conclusion at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU campus here today.
The two-day event saw the hosts bag 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze in both combat (tanding) and artistic (seni) categories and was a huge mark of success for the budding Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association.
In the combat division, Khamtimon Rympei was up against Monika Boro in the final of the 75-80kg category and showed remarkable resolve to win the title bout against a determined opponent in her weight class.
The other gold medal was won in ganda (artistic pairs) by Ilashimti Klein and Libia Matong, who beat out teams from Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland and DNHDD for the top spot on the podium.
The other medals were won by Banrilang Muktieh, who took silver in the 60-65kg combat category, and Promiseora Khymdeit, who earned a bronze in the U-45 combat category.
Second behind Meghalaya were Nagaland while Jammu & Kashmir finished in third position.
Around 300 female participants from 23 states and territories took part in the two-day event.
Pencak silat is a type of Indonesian martial art form that is part of the Asian Games and may also find inclusion in the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host next year.
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 was 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 the Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla and the guest of honour was Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing. The chief guest at the closing ceremony was SAI coach Jonathan Lalrinsanga.
(Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association photo)