A ten-day 1st Pencak Silat coaching camp and regional referee training programme is underway from December 11 to the 20th at Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy, Dimapur.
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DIMAPUR — A ten-day 1st Pencak Silat coaching camp and regional referee training programme is underway from December 11 to the 20th at Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy, Dimapur, with due approval from the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF).
The camp, organised by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association (NPSA), has brought together a total of 67 Pencak Silat athletes and coaches from Nagaland and other North Eastern states. The participants are undergoing an intensive training on technical upgrade, performance enhancement and officiating excellence with the latest international standards.
An update from NPSA stated that the camp is being conducted under the guidance of renowned Pencak Silat coaches from Nagaland, along with international referee and national coach, Prem Singh Thapa, who recently qualified as an international referee at the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain, organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
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It stated that his involvement has greatly strengthened the referee training component by providing in-depth exposure to international rules, scoring systems, refereeing protocols and match management.
It mentioned that Pencak Silat is a globally recognised martial art and competitive sport, governed internationally by International Pencak Silat Federation and featured in prestigious multi-sport events such as the Asian Games, Asian Youth Games, SEA Games, Asian indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, BRICS Games (selected editions), Islamic Solidarity Games and FISU World University Games.
In India, Pencak Silat is officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The sport is also promoted through regional and national championships, Khelo India Games, National Games, Northeast Games, Police Games, ASMITA Khelo India Leagues and university-level competitions.
In Nagaland, Pencak Silat is formally recognised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, enabling structured development, official participation and government support for athletes.
The coaching camp aims to update newly introduced techniques, competition formats and refereeing rules, ensuring that athletes and officials remain aligned with evolving national and international requirements. IT added that emphasis is being placed on technical refinement, tactical awareness, discipline, physical conditioning and competitive readiness.
Meanwhile, the organisers expressed confidence that the camp would significantly contribute to the growth and professional development of Pencak Silat in Nagaland and the North Eastern region, producing well-trained athletes and qualified referees capable of excelling at higher platforms.
It further stated that the initiative reflected a strong commitment toward sports excellence, youth empowerment and international exposure, reinforcing Pencak Silat as a promising discipline with long-term prospects in India.