Shillong, July 9: Nagaland emerged as the Overall Champions at the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026, while hosts Meghalaya delivered an outstanding performance to finish runners-up, marking another major milestone for the state’s rapidly growing presence in the martial art.
Nagaland topped the medal standings with six gold, two silver and one bronze medal, while Meghalaya secured four gold, two silver and six bronze medals. The All India Police Sports Control Board finished third with four gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
The result marks the second major national achievement for the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association (MPSA), which was formed barely a year ago. Earlier this year, the association emerged as the Overall Champion at the Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League 2025-26 for women.
The three-day championship was held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre on the NEHU campus in Shillong, bringing together around 1,500 martial artists from 36 states, Union Territories and sports boards. The event featured competitions in both the artistic (seni) and combat (tanding) categories and was organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) in collaboration with the MPSA.
Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, is currently part of the Asian Games programme, and there is growing hope that it will be included in the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host next year.
Addressing the closing ceremony, chief guest Mayralborn Syiem, MLA from Nongpoh and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, expressed hope that Pencak Silat would be included in the National Games.
He also praised the championship for bringing together athletes from across the country, describing it as a celebration of India’s diversity.
“This championship celebrates the diversity of India. I know that you athletes will take many joyous memories home with you, not just from the tournament but also from our beautiful state,” he said.
Meghalaya’s Medal Winners
Gold Medals
- Banrilang Muktieh – Tanding (-65kg Women)
- Tobias Klein – Seni Ganda (Men)
- Philip Khymdeit – Seni Ganda (Men)
- Rimchi Sangma – Seni Tunggal (Women)
Silver Medals
- Viviana Mallai – Tanding (-70kg Women)
- Tapash Rabha – Tanding (-85kg Men)
Bronze Medals
- Khamtimon Rympei – Tanding (-80kg Women)
- Domonika Syiem – Tanding (-60kg Women)
- Iohdahun Klein – Tanding (-55kg Women)
- Anthony Shadap – Tanding (-55kg Men)
- Sundayrius Khymdeit – Tanding (-60kg Men)
- Moon Moon Rabha – Tanding (-70kg Men)
The Meghalaya contingent was coached by Thomas Rangthaluh, while Balamlang Khriam served as the team manager.
With successive national successes, Meghalaya has firmly established itself as one of India’s emerging powerhouses in Pencak Silat. The achievements reflect the dedication of the MPSA, coaches and athletes, while strengthening the state’s ambitions of becoming a major force in multiple sporting disciplines ahead of hosting the 39th National Games.
