November 12, 2023 — In a whirlwind of flying kicks, breathtaking spins, and unwavering determination, Team India emerged as the undisputed champions at the 7th Asian Pencak Silat Championship held in the heart of Dubai at Rashid Bin Hamdan Hall, Al Nasr Club, Oud Metha, from November 9th to 12th, 2023.
Organized by the UAE Pencak Silat Federation under the banner of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation, duly endorsed by the International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT), this championship was a testament to the global recognition and enthusiasm for the art form.
The Indian contingent, a formidable force comprising 13 fierce female warriors and 18 indomitable male athletes, danced their way through the sands of Dubai under the strategic guidance of the extraordinary Tanding Coach, Mr. Mohammad Iqbal hailing from the valleys of Jammu & Kashmir, and the artistic genius, Mr. Irfan Aziz Botta, also from the enchanting land of Jammu & Kashmir.
In a symphony of coordination and skill, expertly managed by the dynamic duo of Mr. Arul from the vibrant state of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. Pankaj Gussain, a force to be reckoned with from the pristine hills of Uttarakhand, for the male athletes, and the equally impressive Ms. Arti Gussain from Uttarakhand for the female warriors, Team India made the sands of Dubai their canvas.
The team’s remarkable journey was cleared under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs at no cost to the Government of India, showcasing the commitment and passion of the athletes and organizers alike.
Bringing Home the Glory:
Men’s Category:
Prasana Bendre (Daman & Diu) – Class under 45 kg – Seizes the Bronze with Gusto!
Areed Imtiyaz (Jammu & Kashmir) – Class Open 2 – A Maverick in Motion, Bags the Bronze!
Mahinder Swami (Madhya Pradesh) – Class I 85-90 kg – Brings the House Down with a Bronze Win!
S Yogesh & R Rajasegar (Andhra Pradesh) – Ganda Men – Dynamic Duo Strikes Bronze!
M Prabu, P. Jayachandiran, R Silambarasan (Andhra Pradesh) – Regu Men – Trio Triumphs with Bronze Brilliance!
Women’s Category:
Himanshi Jatt (Madhya Pradesh) – Class under 45 kg – Bronze Beauty from the Heart of India!
Aditi Naharla (Rajasthan) – Class B 50-55 kg – Rajasthan’s Rising Star Grabs the Bronze!
Ashiga (Andhra Pradesh) – Class C 55-60 kg – Andhra’s Dynamo Dazzles with a Bronze Stunner!
Ritu (Chandigarh) – Class G 75-80 kg – Chandigarh’s Powerhouse Clinches the Bronze!
Niharika Kumari (Bihar) – Class Open 1 85-100 Kg- Bihar’s Warrior Princess Bags the Bronze!
Kriti Gussain (Uttarakhand) – Class H 80-85 kg – Silvery Elegance as Uttarakhand’s Star Claims Silver!
Women’s Artistic Category:
Tunggal – Simran (Haryana) – Solo Brilliance from the Heart of Haryana Grabs Bronze!
Solo – Disha Reddy (Madhya Pradesh) – Madhya Pradesh’s Solo Maestro Strikes Bronze Gold!
Ganda – Simran & Sonia (Haryana) – Haryana’s Dynamic Duo Dance to Bronze Glory!
Regu – Simran, Sonia, Kamlesh (Haryana) – Haryana’s Triple Threat Clinches Bronze Magic!
The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the silver triumph of Kriti Gussain from the enchanting landscapes of Uttarakhand, adding a touch of silver elegance to the Indian medal haul.
As the curtains fall on this spectacular performance, Team India extends heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, the cheering fans, and the entire nation for being the wind beneath their wings. This isn’t just a victory; it’s a celebration of skill, spirit, and the undying passion for Pencak Silat.