3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship to begin in Srinagar on September 25

Srinagar, Sep 20: The 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2025 is set to kick off in Srinagar from September 25 to 30, bringing together athletes from 11 countries for the martial arts spectacle.

Organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, the championship, as per the officials, will host 12 teams with more than 300 athletes and officials.

Officials said the event aims to showcase the growing popularity of Pencak Silat, a Southeast Asian martial art, while also putting Srinagar on the map as a destination for international sporting events.

The weeklong championship is expected to draw attention from martial arts enthusiasts across the region, with participants competing for top honours and continental recognition.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Pencak Silat Association of India organised a welcome ceremony at Ganta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Srinagar to mark the arrival of the 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2025. Flags of the 12 participating nations were raised high, symbolising the spirit of international brotherhood and peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Salman Sagar lauded the efforts of the Pencak Silat Association, calling the initiative a bold and positive step. “Hosting an international event of this magnitude sends out a strong message that Kashmir is safe, welcoming, and ready for tourism. It’s a moment of pride for us all,” he said.

Also gracing the ceremony as Guests of Honour were prominent dignitaries including Nuzhat Ara, Shafkat Shafi, Irfan Aziz, Nasir Diggo, Tariq Zargar, Mohammad Iqbal (Manager, Sports Council), and Maqsood Khan (Manager, Sports Council).

The Chief Coach of the Indian Pencak Silat team, Irfan Aziz, expressed confidence and enthusiasm, saying, “We are fully prepared to welcome young athletes from across Asia. This championship will be a celebration of talent, discipline, and cultural exchange.”

Muskan, an international athlete representing India in Pencak Silat, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I sincerely thank the Commissioner Secretary of Youth Services and Sports and Nuzhat Gul for their unwavering support. This championship will not only uplift the sport but also boost cultural connections, encourage youth participation, and project Kashmir in a positive light on the global stage.”