SRINAGAR: The curtains came down on the 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2025 with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Complex, Srinagar, celebrating six days of intense competition, cultural exchange, and sporting excellence.

The championship, held from September 25 to 30, witnessed the participation of over 300 athletes from 11 Asian nations—India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kazakhstan. Young martial artists showcased remarkable skill, discipline, and sportsmanship, making this edition one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history.

The closing ceremony dazzled the audience with vibrant cultural performances, reflecting the region’s rich heritage. Adding a local touch, the winners’ medals were presented in exquisitely crafted Kashmiri papier-mâché boxes, while papier-mâché mementos were gifted to the heads of foreign delegations.

Officials from PERSILAT (International Pencak Silat Federation) lauded the flawless organization by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and praised Srinagar’s emergence as a new hub for international martial arts.

Medal Tally Highlights
• Vietnam: 8 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze (Overall Champion Trophy)
• Philippines: 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 6 Bronze
• Indonesia: 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
• India: 7 Gold, 18 Silver, 26 Bronze
• Kazakhstan: 4 Gold, 5 Silver, 12 Bronze
• Uzbekistan: 1 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze
• Thailand: 4 Silver, 2 Bronze
• Nepal: 5 Bronze

Special awards were presented for fair play, best performance, and most promising athletes, further enriching the spirit of the championship. The medals and trophies were distributed by the Chief Guest, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Hon’ble CM in presence of Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul; Chief Sports Officer, Anissa Nabi; and DSO Javaid ur Rehman and Chief Coach. In a gesture of cultural exchange, traditional Indonesian shawls were presented to Ms Nuzhat Gul, Anissa Nabi, Gazala, Javaid, and Sheikh.

Speaking on the occasion, Irfan Aziz, Chief Coach of India and Organizing Secretary, said: "Hosting over 400 athletes and officials from 11 countries in Srinagar has been a matter of immense pride. This championship not only showcased skill and discipline but also strengthened bonds of friendship and unity across Asia."

The evening concluded with the ceremonial handover of the championship flag to the next host nation, symbolizing the continuity of friendship, resilience, and sporting excellence.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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