Shillong, July 7: Meghalaya opened its medal account by winning two gold medals on Tuesday, the second day of the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026, with both titles coming in the artistic (seni) events.
The hosts also continued to impress in the combat (tanding) categories, with several local athletes progressing to the knockout rounds at the three-day championship being held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre on the NEHU campus.
Around 1,500 athletes representing 36 states, Union Territories and sports boards are competing in the national championship, which is being organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) in collaboration with the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association (MPSA).
Additional Superintendent of Police Neena Rabha attended the event as the chief guest on Tuesday. Addressing the participants, she highlighted the values shared by pencak silat and the police service, saying both demand discipline, rigorous training, commitment and teamwork.
Among Meghalaya’s standout performers in the combat events was Anthony Shadap, who advanced to the pre-quarterfinals after defeating Benjamin Lalrindika of Mizoram 6-2.
Sumita Klein produced one of the most dramatic victories of the day. Trailing after the opening round against Kerala’s Sanooja K, she staged a remarkable comeback in the second round to edge the contest 19-18, sealing victory in the final second of the women’s bout.
Anisha Phangcho also booked her place in the pre-quarterfinals under unusual circumstances. Although she scored just one point, her opponent from Uttar Pradesh accumulated multiple penalties and finished with a score of -17, handing Phangcho the win.
Pencak silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art and an Asian Games discipline, features combat events where athletes score through punches, kicks and successful takedowns, alongside artistic events that showcase choreographed forms.
The championship concludes on Wednesday. Nongpoh MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Mayralborn Syiem, is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
