Gangtok: A spirited seven-member team from the Sikkim Pencak Silat Association (SPSA) has departed for Dimapur, Nagaland, to participate in the 7th North East Pencak Silat Championship 2025, scheduled from July 15 to 17.
Organised by the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association under the aegis of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, the championship promises to be a premier showcase of martial arts talent from across the Northeast.
The Sikkim contingent features a diverse mix of athletes across senior, junior, and pre-junior categories. In the senior women’s division, Eloma Subba and Adrina Rai will don the state colours, while Angelina Gurung will compete in the junior girls’ category. Jessica Mangar will represent Sikkim in the pre-junior girls’ section. The senior men’s team includes Prakash Bista and Prakash Pradhan, with Yedsel Tamang participating in the macca junior boys’ division.
Leading the team is SPSA General Secretary Bhim Subba, who will also serve as team manager during the championship. Before the team’s departure, Subba expressed optimism about the athletes’ readiness, highlighting their dedication during training and their determination to make Sikkim proud on the regional stage. He also emphasised the role of the championship in fostering inter-state camaraderie through a shared appreciation for martial arts.
With representatives from all eight Northeastern states expected to participate, the championship not only tests athletic prowess but also strengthens cultural bonds. As the Sikkim team gears up for competition, they carry with them the hopes of their state and the spirit of unity that defines the martial arts community of the Northeast.