Shillong : Meghalaya delivered a historic performance at the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026, finishing as the Overall Runner-Up with an impressive haul of 12 medals, while Nagaland emerged as the Overall Champion.
Nagaland secured the championship title after winning 6 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. Meghalaya finished second with 4 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals, while the All India Police Sports Control Board claimed third place with 4 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal.
The achievement marks another major milestone for the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association (MPSA), which was formed only about a year ago. Earlier this year, Meghalaya also emerged as the Overall Champion in the Senior National Khelo India ASMITA Pencak Silat League 2025-26 for women, highlighting the state’s rapid rise in the sport.
The three-day national championship was held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre on the NEHU campus in Shillong, bringing together around 1,500 athletes from 36 states, Union Territories and sports boards. The event was organised by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) in collaboration with the Meghalaya Pencak Silat Association.
Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art included in the Asian Games, is expected to be considered for inclusion in the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host next year.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, expressed hope that Pencak Silat would become part of the National Games. He also praised the championship for showcasing India’s diversity and said participating athletes would carry fond memories of Meghalaya back to their home states.
Meghalaya’s Gold Medal Winners
Banrilang Muktieh – Tanding (-65kg Female)
Tobias Klein – Seni Ganda (Male)
Philip Khymdeit – Seni Ganda (Male)
Rimchi Sangma – Seni Tunggal (Female)
Silver Medal Winners
Viviana Mallai – Tanding (-70kg Female)
Tapash Rabha – Tanding (-85kg Male)
Bronze Medal Winners
Khamtimon Rympei – Tanding (-80kg Female)
Domonika Syiem – Tanding (-60kg Female)
Iohdahun Klein – Tanding (-55kg Female)
Anthony Shadap – Tanding (-55kg Male)
Sundayrius Khymdeit – Tanding (-60kg Male)
Moon Moon Rabha – Tanding (-70kg Male)
The Meghalaya team was coached by Thomas Rangthaluh, while Balamlang Khriam served as the team manager.
Meghalaya’s back-to-back achievements on the national stage underline the state’s emergence as one of India’s strongest Pencak Silat teams. With sustained support, quality coaching and dedicated athletes, Meghalaya is now aiming to make its mark in international competitions as well.