Mandi hosts Sixth State-Level Pencak Silat Championship; 220 athletes participate
Munish Sood
Mandi
In Mandi, the sixth State-Level Pencak Silat Championship was formally inaugurated today, bringing together 220 athletes from seven districts of Himachal Pradesh across multiple age categories. The event also became a platform for raising a strong demand for equal respect and opportunities for sportspersons in the state.
During the inauguration, Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association Vice President Narendra Atri urged the state government to immediately announce appropriate honour and recognition for the women Kabaddi players from Himachal who recently won the Kabaddi World Cup.
Speaking to the media, Atri said that the government must treat all athletes equally and avoid any discrimination between different sports. He noted that if the government can extend rewards and recognition to cricket players, then Kabaddi World Cup champions deserve the same acknowledgment.
Atri recalled that during the tenure of former Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, the sports quota in government jobs was increased from 1% to 3%, which significantly benefited Himachali athletes and enabled many of them to serve within the state. He emphasised that similar proactive steps are needed today to strengthen the sports ecosystem and ensure fairness across all disciplines.
Meanwhile, Joginder Singh Azad, President of the Himachal Pradesh Pencak Silat Association, informed that the championship—earlier postponed due to rain—is now being conducted with athletes participating in the 3–5 years, 6–8 years, 9–45 years, and above 45 years age categories.
He added that this championship will not serve as a selection trial for nationals, as the National Championship has already taken place and state athletes have participated. Future championships will determine selections for upcoming national events.
The sporting community in Mandi welcomed both the successful organisation of the Silat championship and the renewed call for equal respect, opportunities, and recognition for all sportspersons across Himachal Pradesh.
