CM Omar inaugurates 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Srinagar
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By Aatif Qayoom
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26 Sep 2025
Athletes from 11 countries participating
Srinagar, Sept 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship at Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, marking the first time the international martial arts event is being hosted in Jammu and Kashmir.
The championship, being held from September 25 to 30, has drawn participation from athletes under the age of 18 representing 11 countries, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Singapore. The event is being organised under the aegis of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation in collaboration with the J&K Pencak Silat Association and the J&K Sports Council.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, CM Omar said Pencak Silat has grown rapidly in Jammu and Kashmir over the last decade and is now practised in 19 of the 20 districts. He praised the equal participation of boys and girls in the discipline and underlined the values of respect and discipline that the sport promotes.
“Your opponent is not your enemy, but an opponent only. That is the true spirit of sportsmanship,” the Chief Minister said while welcoming the athletes and delegations. He expressed hope that the visiting players would enjoy the championship as well as carry back fond memories of Srinagar.
The colourful opening ceremony featured a march past of teams, traditional cultural performances from Jammu and Kashmir, and a Pencak Silat demonstration by young athletes.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, and several senior officials were present on the occasion.
The championship is seen as an opportunity not only to showcase the sporting talent of the region but also to promote Srinagar as a venue for international sports events.
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