Nagaland secured the runners-up position in the recently concluded ASMITA Khelo India Pencak Silat Women’s League 2025 (North East Zone) by winning an impressive 10 Gold, 8 Silver, and 16 Bronze medals.
The two-day mega event was held on March 17 and 18, at DBC Indoor Stadium, Dimapur, witnessing participation from 280 girls across all North Eastern States.
The competition was officiated by National and International Referees and Juries from the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and North Eastern States, ensuring fair play and high standards of judging.
This event served as a crucial platform for North East athletes especially Nagaland as the medal winners in senior girls’ category will now represent their respective states at the ASMITA Khelo India National Pencak Silat Women’s League in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, from April 6 to 8.
ASMITA Khelo India is an initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India sponsored by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports and providing opportunities for emerging talent to shine at the national and international levels to Indian Pencak Silat Federation and its affiliated states.
With this remarkable achievement, Nagaland continues to establish itself as a rising powerhouse in Pencak Silat, inspiring more young athletes to take up the sport and bring laurels to the state.
The opening ceremony was graced by Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland Keoshu Yimchunger, MLA along with joint secretary of the Nagaland Olympic Association, Kuputo Shohe.
The event also had the esteemed presence of vice-president of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and Daman and Diu Olympic Association, Alexander Thomas as the special guest.
In his speech, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung congratulated all the participants and emphasized the rapid growth of Pencak Silat in Nagaland. “Our athletes have time and again made the state proud in various North East and National Championships.
This achievement is another milestone in our sports history, proving the talent and dedication of our girls. The government is committed to providing more opportunities, training and support to ensure that Nagaland becomes a dominant force in martial arts and other sports,” he said.
The closing ceremony officially concluded with Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, honoring the winners by awarding medals and cheques.
Encouraging the athletes, he stated, “Nagaland has consistently produced exceptional Pencak Silat athletes and in other sports who have brought laurels to the state.
With continued hard work and support, we believe our players will achieve even greater success in national and international competitions. The medallists here today will be our state’s pride as they move forward to compete at the national level.”