Nagaland: 1st state pencak silat coaching & regional referee training camp underway in Dimapur

The 1st State Pencak Silat Coaching Camp and Regional Referee Training Programme is currently underway at Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy, Dimapur, from December 11 to 20, 2025. The camp has been approved by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) and is organized by the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association.
A total of 67 athletes and coaches from Nagaland and other North Eastern states are participating in the intensive programme, which focuses on technical upgradation, performance enhancement and officiating excellence in line with the latest international standards.
The training is being conducted under the guidance of experienced Pencak Silat coaches from Nagaland, alongside International Referee and National Coach Prem Singh Thapa, who recently qualified as an International Referee at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
His involvement has strengthened the referee training component, providing participants with in-depth exposure to international rules, scoring systems, refereeing protocols, and match management.
Pencak Silat, a globally recognized martial art and competitive sport, is governed internationally by the International Pencak Silat Federation and features in major multi-sport events including the Asian Games, SEA Games, World Combat Games, BRICS Games, Islamic Solidarity Games and FISU World University Games.
In India, the sport is officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It is promoted through national and regional championships, Khelo India Games, National Games, Northeast Games, Police Games, ASMITA Khelo India Leagues and university-level competitions. In Nagaland, Pencak Silat is formally recognized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, enabling structured development and government support for athletes.
The ongoing camp aims to update participants on newly introduced techniques, competition formats and refereeing rules, ensuring alignment with evolving national and international requirements. Emphasis is being placed on technical refinement, tactical awareness, discipline, physical conditioning and competitive readiness.
Organizers expressed confidence that the initiative will contribute significantly to the growth and professional development of Pencak Silat in Nagaland and the North East, producing well-trained athletes and qualified referees capable of excelling at higher platforms.