The curtains came down on the 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2025 with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, Srinagar, celebrating six days of intense competition, cultural exchange, and sporting excellence.
The championship, held from September 25 to 30, witnessed the participation of over 300 athletes from 11 Asian nations India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kazakhstan.
Young martial artists showcased remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship, making this edition one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history. The closing ceremony dazzled the audience with vibrant cultural performances, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.
Adding a local touch, the winners’ medals were presented in exquisitely crafted Kashmiri papier-mâché boxes, while papier-mâché mementos were gifted to the heads of foreign delegations.
Officials from PERSILAT (International Pencak Silat Federation) lauded the flawless organization by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and praised Srinagar’s emergence as a new hub for international martial arts.
Medal Tally Highlights
• Vietnam: 8 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze (Overall Champion Trophy)
• Philippines: 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze
• Indonesia: 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
• India: 7 Gold, 18 Silver, 26 Bronze
• Kazakhstan: 4 Gold, 5 Silver, 12 Bronze
• Uzbekistan: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze
• Thailand: 4 Silver, 2 Bronze
• Nepal: 5 Bronze
Special awards were presented for fair play, best performance, and most promising athletes, further enriching the spirit of the championship. The medals and trophies were distributed by the Chief Guest, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Hon’ble CM in presence of Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul; Chief Sports Officer, Anissa Nabi; and DSO Javaid ur Rehman and Chief Coach. In a gesture of cultural exchange, traditional Indonesian shawls were presented to Ms Nuzhat Gul, Anissa Nabi, Gazala, Javaid, and Sheikh.
Speaking on the occasion, Irfan Aziz, Chief Coach of India and Organizing Secretary, said:
"Hosting over 400 athletes and officials from 11 countries in Srinagar has been a matter of immense pride. This championship not only showcased skill and discipline but also strengthened bonds of friendship and unity across Asia."
The evening concluded with the ceremonial handover of the championship flag to the next host nation, symbolizing the continuity of friendship, resilience, and sporting excellence.