Arunachal Pradesh: Seven promising Pencak Silat athletes from Arunachal Pradesh have embarked on a historic journey to represent India at the 8th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from October 10 to 16.
The athletes, Meta Pao, Damsop Tungi, Likha Oum, Sonam Lamrah, Biki Yatang, Likha Aku, and Tai Taling, will be competing on an international stage for the first time, marking a significant achievement for Arunachal Pradesh in the sport. Kipa Takar, general secretary of the North East Pencak Silat Federation, announced the team’s departure and emphasized the importance of this milestone.
“This is an official calendar event, and medalists will have the opportunity to represent India at the World Pencak Silat Championship,” Takar noted, adding that this opens doors for future international participation.
Takar also highlighted the need for a dedicated Pencak Silat training center in Itanagar. Despite the North East Pencak Silat Federation’s active promotion of the sport over the past five to six years, the absence of proper infrastructure has made it difficult for athletes to fully prepare for competitions.
Nevertheless, Takar praised the athletes’ exceptional performances in the Senior Pencak Silat Championship in Odisha, where eight athletes earned the chance to compete at the Asian level, showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s growing talent in Pencak Silat.
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