The Arunachal Pradesh Pencak Silat team is all set to participate in the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026–27, which will be held in Shillong, Meghalaya, from July 6 to 8. The championship is expected to bring together top athletes from across the country and will also serve as a qualifying event for two major national sporting competitions.Ahead of the team’s departure, the Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) organised a send-off programme to encourage the players and officials. Director of the Sports Authority of Arunachal, Gumnya Karbak, interacted with the athletes, coaches and support staff, urging them to compete with dedication, discipline and a strong sense of sportsmanship while representing the state on the national stage.
Addressing the contingent, Karbak expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and encouraged the players to give their best in every event. He said the athletes should strive to bring honour to Arunachal Pradesh through their performance while maintaining the spirit of fair play throughout the competition. As part of the programme, the Sports Authority of Arunachal distributed sports kits to all members of the contingent as a mark of support and encouragement before their journey to Shillong.The Arunachal Pradesh contingent consists of 25 members, including 22 athletes, two coaches and one team official. The team will compete in both the senior *tanding* (combat) events and the artistic category during the three-day national championship.The tournament carries added importance as it will determine qualification for the *3rd Khelo India Beach Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Diu, as well as the **39th National Games 2027*, which will be hosted by Meghalaya.
A strong performance in Shillong will therefore open the door for athletes to represent the state in these prestigious multi-sport events.Officials of the Sports Authority of Arunachal said they are optimistic about the team’s prospects and expressed hope that the players will perform well against some of the country’s best Pencak Silat athletes. The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sportspersons and strengthening the growth of martial arts in the state through continued training, infrastructure and competitive exposure. With preparations complete and the team’s morale boosted by the official send-off, the Arunachal Pradesh contingent will now look to make a strong impression at the national championship and secure qualification for the upcoming major sporting events.
