The 8th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2024 recently concluded at the NDS Multipurpose Indoor Sports Stadium in Leh, Ladakh. This prestigious event, organized by the Ladakh Pencak Silat Association in collaboration with Youth Services & Sports, UT of Ladakh, LAHDC, and the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, brought together 454 athletes from 18 States/UTs.
Notably, this competition marked Ladakh’s inaugural national-level martial arts event, showcasing the region’s commitment to promoting traditional martial arts. Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche graced the opening ceremony as the guest of honor, alongside other dignitaries such as Tsering Angchuk (Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh), Mosis Kunzang (Director of Youth Services and Sports, UT of Ladakh), Kishore Prakash Yewale (President of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation), and Tariq Ahmad Zargar (Secretary General of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation).
Jammu & Kashmir athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, securing the Overall Championship. Haryana also performed admirably, with Ladakh hosting the event and contributing to its success.
During the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Vikram Singh Malik emphasized the role of Pencak Silat in fostering discipline, fitness, and cultural exchange. Nuzhat Gull, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, congratulated the victorious team, attributing their consistent achievements in martial arts to the development of sports infrastructure over the past decade. She expressed gratitude to the LG administration for their special focus on sports in J&K.