J&K Pencak Silat Association dominates, secures top position

Pampore: In a notable achievement, six athletes from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district excelled at the 11th National Pencak Championship in Patna, Bihar, securing five bronze medals and one silver medal.
Guided by coach, head Sajad Ahmad Bhat, the Jammu and Kashmir Pencak Silat Association Pulwama dominated the event, showcasing both individual skill and coaching prowess. The championship, featuring over 1400 players, was organized by the Pencak Silat Association of Bihar, supported by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The athletes’ success underscores Pulwama’s pride and recognition in the national sporting arena.
Sports Minister of Bihar, Jitendra Kumar Rai, graced the occasion as the chief guest, accompanied by the Director General of Sports, Ravindran Shankaran and Pankaj Raj, who serves as the Director cum Secretary of the Bihar State Sports Authority, were guests of honour.
This accomplishment not only highlights the skill and dedication of the athletes but also underscores the impactful coaching provided by Sajad Ahmad Bhat and the overall prowess of the Jammu and Kashmir Pencak Silat Association in the national sporting arena.
Sajad, a resident of Namblabal, Pampore, told Kashmir Reader that the Jammu and Kashmir Pencak Silat Association, under which the players competed, achieved the top position across all categories in the championship held in Patna, Bihar. The triumphant players, whose outstanding performances contributed to this success, include Muqadus Muskan, Zaid Bin Ayoub, Afnan Mushtaq, Sibgat Ullah, Murtaza Ahmad Baba and Imad Khursheed.
He said the championship was held in Patil Putri Stadium Kanker Bagh Patna, Bihar participated in this championship, where the players from Jammu and Kashmir secured the first position. In this competition, six players from Pampore and Pulwama Pencak Silat Association represented the district, achieving remarkable success with a total of six medals – one silver and five bronze.
These players have brought laurels to the Pulwama district and the Association, particularly with the notable contribution of five players from Rahmoo Pulwama Kings Kingdom School and one student from MEI Pampore, who earned a bronze medal. Their achievements stand as a testament to the pride and recognition of Pulwama district in this championship.
This victory not only signifies the prowess of the individual athletes but also underscores the strength and talent of the Jammu and Kashmir Pencak Silat Association on the national stage.

BILAL HABIB