Shillong : Meghalaya has once again showcased its growing dominance in martial arts after emerging as overall champions at the Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League 2025-26, which concluded at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre located within the NEHU campus in Shillong.
The two-day national-level event witnessed an impressive performance by the host state, with Meghalaya securing a total of four medals — 2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze — across both combat (tanding) and artistic (seni) categories. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association and highlights the rapid development of the sport in the state.
In the combat category, Khamtimon Rympei delivered a standout performance in the 75–80kg final, defeating Monika Boro after a fiercely contested bout to clinch the gold medal. Her victory reflected determination and technical excellence against a strong opponent.
The second gold medal for Meghalaya came in the artistic ganda (pairs) category, where Ilashimti Klein and Libia Matong outperformed teams from Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu to secure the top podium finish.
Meanwhile, Banrilang Muktieh added to the medal tally with a silver in the 60–65kg combat category, while Promiseora Khymdeit claimed bronze in the under-45kg division, further strengthening Meghalaya’s overall lead.
Nagaland finished in second position, followed by Jammu & Kashmir in third place.
The championship saw participation from around 300 female athletes representing 23 states and Union Territories, making it a highly competitive and significant platform for women in sports.
Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, is gaining increasing recognition in India and is already a part of the Asian Games. The sport is also expected to be included in the upcoming 39th National Games, which Meghalaya is set to host next year.
The ASMITA League is an initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting and empowering women athletes across various disciplines. The event was jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, and the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Wailadmiki Shylla, while John F Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, attended as the guest of honour. The closing ceremony was attended by SAI coach Jonathan Lalrinsanga.
Meghalaya’s remarkable performance at the national stage not only reinforces its sporting potential but also signals a bright future for Pencak Silat in the state.