Nagaland crowned 7th NE Pencak Silat champs

Nagaland emerged as the champion of the two-day 7th edition of the North East Pencak Silat Championship 2025, that concluded on Thursday at Hayiro Park, Dimapur.
Nagaland bagged 47 gold in Tanding (match) and 9 gold in Artistic,38 silver, 37 bronze in Tanding; the first runners up by was bagged by Arunachal Pradesh and 2nd runners-up by Bodoland (Assam).
The award for Best Referee (Male) was bagged by Sinam Jeevan Singh (Manipur), while the Best Referee (Female) was awarded to Hinokali (Nagaland). The title of Best Player (Male) was secured by Vito shohe from Nagaland and Best Player (Female) award went to Jewti Boro from Bodoland (Assam).
The tournament was organized by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association (NPSA) under the aegis of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and North East Pencak Silat Federation. A total of 270 participants participated from across the northeast including Nagaland, Bodoland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya and Sikkim along with Assam Rifle competed for top honours in 70 weight categories and four artistic event categories for both boys and girls.
Gracing the closing ceremony as the guest of honour, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, K Sophie expressed his appreciation to the judges and officials who have organized the event, as well as to the parents of the athletes who travelled from different parts of the Northeastern states. He stated that he felt privileged to be present at the evening’s programme.
Sophie noted that it was encouraging to see that most of the participants were young and enthusiastic. He emphasized that their presence and participation were vital in fostering unity, friendship and peace among the Northeastern states. He shared personal memories from the late 1980s, recalling how he and his friends were passionate about karate and kung fu.
He exuded confidence that all the participants would grow into responsible citizens who would contribute to peace, unity and cooperation across the Northeastern region.
He highlighted the issue of drug and alcohol abuse among youth in the region and stressed that participating in sports would help young people develop healthy bodies and minds, keeping them away from such vices and helping them become good citizens.
He wished everyone a safe journey back home and expressed his intention to attend the next Pencak Silat Championship. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association, Information & Publicity Secretary, Diana, welcome address by president Nagaland Pencak Silat Association, North East Pencak Silat Federation, Khevishe Sema, felicitation of guests by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association, a demonstration performance by Nagaland Pencak Silat Team, felicitation of officials and winners, vote of thanks by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association secretary, Hetoi Sema. The programme concluded with the national anthem. Each participant was also awarded a certificate of participation.
The 8th North East Pencak Silat Championship will be held in Meghalaya and to be organised by Meghelaya Pencak Silat Association.