Bandipora, September 12: The District Pencak Silat Championship Bandipora 2026 began on Saturday at Government Boys Primary School, Aragam, with around 200 students from different schools across the district taking part in the two-day event.
The championship is being organised by the District Pencak Silat Association Bandipora, with competitions being held across different weight categories in Senior, Junior, Pre-Teen and Pre-Junior divisions.
The event seeks to introduce Pencak Silat to more children and youth in the area and create interest in the sport at the grassroots level, with the long-term objective of nurturing athletes who can compete at higher levels and represent Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
Major Achyut Mishra, Company Commander, Charlie Company, 13 Rashtriya Rifles, Aragam, Bandipora, attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Arsullah Habib, Teacher, Government Primary Boys Middle School Aragam, was the guest of honour, while Padma Shri awardee Faisal Ali Dar, Brand Ambassador of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Major Achyut Mishra said it was the first time he had witnessed an official sporting competition being held in the area. Appreciating the participation of the students, he said children from the upper belt possess considerable physical strength and that such competitions can provide them with exposure and help channelise their abilities in a constructive manner.
Faisal Ali Dar stressed the importance of taking sporting activities to areas where opportunities remain limited. He said introducing children to different sports at an early age can help identify talent and encourage more youth to pursue sports, while also keeping them engaged in positive activities and away from drugs.
The championship will conclude on September 13 with the award ceremony, where the winning athletes will be felicitated for their performances.
The best-performing players will also be selected for the upcoming UT-level Pencak Silat Championship, providing them an opportunity to compete at a higher level.
