Khelo India Asmita Pencak Silat League 2025 Launches In Maharashtra, Showcasing Indonesia's Martial Art

The Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat, known for its dynamic blend of combat, discipline, and artistic expression, took center stage in India with the launch of the Khelo India Asmita Pencak Silat League 2025.

Held at Christ Academy, Koparkhairane, the league marks a significant step in the sport’s rising prominence in the Indian martial arts landscape.

Organized by the Maharashtra Pencak Silat Association under the aegis of the Ministry of Sports, Government of India, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the league attracted over 350 players from 30 states across the country, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the art form among Indian youth.

Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art originating from Indonesia, is characterized by both combat and performative elements. It is practiced in five core categories: Tanding (competitive fighting), Tunggal (solo form), Regu (group routines), Ganda (choreographed fight demonstrations), and Solo (creative routines).

“The discipline blends self-defense techniques with rhythm, spirituality, and physical conditioning, making it unique among martial arts. Globally recognized, Pencak Silat is part of major sporting events like the Asian Games, Asian Martial Arts Games, and Asian Youth Games, and was recently included in India’s 5% reserved recruitment quota under the Ministry of Sports,” said an organizer.

At the inauguration ceremony, notable guests including Kishore Prakash Yewale, President of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, and Fr. Jason, Principal of Christ Academy, joined dignitaries from the sports, health, and political sectors in celebrating the martial art’s cultural and athletic significance. The event featured a demonstration by young silat practitioners and cultural performances.

As part of the league’s incentive structure, medal winners will receive scholarships of ₹10,000 (gold), ₹8,000 (silver), and ₹6,000 (bronze) directly into their bank accounts — a move aimed at encouraging youth participation and long-term commitment to the sport, officials informed.

Speaking at the event, leaders from the Indian and Maharashtra Pencak Silat Federations expressed pride in how far the martial art has come in India. The Maharashtra team, for example, secured 21 medals at the 37th National Games in Goa in 2023. Internationally, India now ranks 7th at the World Pencak Silat Championships — a testament to the growing skill and dedication of Indian athletes in this unique sport.