Budgam, Aug 12: The 4th Open Pencak Silat Championship 2025-26 concluded at the Indoor Sports Hall, Budgam, after two days of intense and spirited competition. Organised by the District Budgam Pencak Silat Association in collaboration with the Pencak Silat Association of J&K, the event was held under the banner of Marhoom Allama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi Al-Najafi.
Around 400 participants from various schools and clubs across the district competed in Under-14, Under-17, Under-20, and Senior categories for both boys and girls.
Agha Syed Abul Hasan al-Moosavi al-Safavi, the chief guest, stressed the importance of progress and self-reliance in all walks of life.
“The nation upon which the judge of destiny has passed the eternal verdict that weakness is a crime and helplessness a death sentence — if that nation is backward in education, in health, in technology, and in politics — then every powerful nation will trample it underfoot, and history is full of such examples. Whether male or female, in every field — knowledge, politics, faith — they must be at the forefront, and through sports, we must build a healthy society,” he said.
Mr. Irfan Aziz, Chief Coach of India, and Manzoor Ahmed were the guests of honour.
The championship aimed to promote fitness, discipline, and a sporting culture in the region, serving as an important step towards nurturing local talent and expanding the reach of Pencak Silat in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a major upcoming event, the J&K Sports Council will host the prestigious Asian Junior Pencak Silat Championship in Srinagar from September 25 to 30, 2025, with over 15 countries expected to participate. Nine students from Jammu & Kashmir and two from Ladakh will represent the region at the continental tournament.
The closing ceremony in Budgam concluded with a medal distribution to the winners and participants, celebrating their dedication and sportsmanship.
