News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The 20th edition of the World Pencak Silat Championship, one of the premier mixed martial arts competitions, along with the 5th edition of the Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, concluded successfully at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The championship showcased the UAE’s commitment to fostering cultural sports and strengthening international sports cooperation.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and President of International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT) through a speech delivered by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono who also Deputy Persilat, during the closing ceremony of the largest Pencak Silat championship in history, expressed hope that the event would enhance fraternal ties between participating countries. He emphasized the championship’s role in inspiring future generations to uphold the noble traditions of Pencak Silat.
The Indonesian Foreign Minister praised the tournament for uniting top athletes from around the world and commended the creativity, high skills, courage, and dedication displayed by participants, stating: “Your bravery in entering the arena, pushing your limits, and embodying the spirit of Pencak Silat is an extraordinary achievement for all of you.”
Sugiono highlighted that the championship was not just a sporting competition but also a celebration of Pencak Silat’s rich cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.
The event, featuring over 1,100 athletes, coaches, referees, juries and officials from 57 countries, was held under the supervision of the International Pencak Silat Federation, in collaboration with UAE Ministry of Sports, UAE Sports For All Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the UAE Pencak Silat Community, with logistical support from Palms Sports.
The closing ceremony included a symbolic handover of the championship’s mandate, the Pencak Silat Keris (Dagger). It was passed from Grandmaster Heru Presetya Tantra to Mr. Roy Z. Kamsanee, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, who then presented it to Mr. Teddy Suratmadji, Secretary-General of the International Pencak Silat Federation, marking the official conclusion of the championship.
Indonesia’s Triumph:
Indonesia dominated the medal standings across all categories, clinching first place with 11 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals in the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship while Vietnam won the first runner up in the overall championship with 10 Gold, 3 Silver, and 3 bronze, while Malaysia won the second runner up with 6 Gold, 9 Silver, and 4 Bronze. Indonesia again won 11 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze in the Overall Champion for 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, followed by Singapore winning the second place in the overall championship with 6 Gold, 3 Bronze, and 7 Silver medals, while Malaysia in the third place secured 5 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
Awards and Honors:
Awards for the best atheletes in the senior and junior categories, as well as the best referees and judges, male and female, were presented by Husin Bagis, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE; Saeed Ali Alajil, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation; and Muhammad Sadri, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented the “Overall Champion” award for the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship to the victorious Indonesian team, while Sugiono handed the same title for the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship to the Indonesian team as well.
This year’s championship featured three main categories: Combat Matches, Artistic Performances, and Special Performances, with participants divided into age groups, including Pre-Junior, Junior, Senior, and Masters, categorized further by weight divisions.
UAE’s Success:
Husin Bagis, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the UAE’s vital role in the championship’s success, praising the country’s full support for the event. He extended gratitude to Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, the UAE Sports for All Federation, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their contributions.
Saeed Ali Alajil, Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation, expressed optimism for Pencak Silat’s future in the UAE, revealing plans to establish more training centers nationwide. He also commended the UAE team for winning a gold medal, two silver medals, and six bronze medals, including a special award for Best Pre-Junior Athlete, secured by UAE resident, Hamza Akram Rahman.
Fouad Darwish, CEO of Palms Sports, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and progress, saying, “Hosting the World Pencak Silat Championship at ADNEC demonstrates our dedication to cultural exchange and excellence in sports.”
Roy Z. Kamsanee, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the Central Board Member, Director of Brand Experience Development of International Pencak Silat Federation added, UAE as the host of this world-class event have delivered the highest standard of experience in the history of World Pencak Silat Championship since 1982. We are proud to receive a lot of compliments from various Presidents of National Federation around the world, including participants and visitors.
Towards Olympic Inclusion:
The championship serves as a strategic step toward realizing the dream of the inclusion of Pencak Silat as a full-fledged sport in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, following its successful showcase at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2022 World Championship in Malaysia. The Abu Dhabi event celebrates the sport’s introduction to a new audience in the Middle East.
