Photo Courtesy: Nagaland Pencak Silat Association
Kohima, March 16 (MExN): Athletes of the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association brought pride to the state by winning four medals at the All India University Pencak Silat Championship 2026 held at Rohtak, Haryana from March 10 to 14.
The championship was organised by Maharshi Dayanand University in association with the Indian Pencak Silat Federation.
Three athletes from Nagaland, representing their respective universities, displayed remarkable skill and determination at the national-level competition.
Kevin, a Master of Physical Education student of Chandigarh University, delivered an outstanding performance and emerged as one of the star players of the championship by winning a gold medal in the Tanding (sparring) event and a silver medal in the Regu (artistic) event.
His teammate Akhumse A Sangtam, also pursuing a Master of Physical Education at Chandigarh University, secured a silver medal in the Tanding (sparring) event. Their performances contributed to Chandigarh University emerging as the overall champion of the championship.
Meanwhile, Jon, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student from Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam, won a silver medal in the Tanding (sparring) event. Notably, this was Jon’s first participation in the All India University Championship and he was sponsored by his university to compete in the prestigious event.
Kevin had earlier represented Nagaland University in the previous All India University Pencak Silat Championship 2025 held in Bengaluru, where he won a gold medal, while Akhumse secured a bronze medal.
Following their remarkable performances in the sport, both Kevin and Akhumse were awarded 100 per cent scholarships at Chandigarh University to pursue their higher education while continuing their sporting careers.
Interestingly, Kevin and Jon are siblings and have both excelled in the martial art of Pencak Silat, winning several medals in national competitions and the Khelo India Games while successfully balancing their studies and sporting pursuits.
The Nagaland Pencak Silat Association expressed appreciation to Chandigarh University and Assam Down Town University for sponsoring and supporting the athletes to represent their institutions at the national-level championship.
The association also congratulated the medal winners for bringing laurels to their universities and to Nagaland, while inspiring many young martial artists to pursue excellence in the sport.
