Nagaland has made history in the world of Pencak Silat by emerging as the overall team champion at the 14th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship 2026. The championship, held from July 6 to 8 at the SAI Training Centre Indoor Stadium, NEHU Campus, Shillong, Meghalaya, saw the Nagaland contingent display remarkable skill, discipline, and determination. The team’s impressive performance earned them 7 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze Medal, topping the national medal tally and securing the championship crown.
In the Tanding category, Nagaland’s gold medallists included Kevin, Jon, Kitenlo_K Thono, Liike Kibami, Avikali_V_Sheqi, and Kuhoshi_Sumi, while Viloka Chophy secured a silver medal in the same category. In the Artistic Regu events, the Nagaland teams delivered flawless routines to clinch gold and silver medals. The Artistic Regu (Female) team of Avikali V.
Sheqi, Liike Kibami, and Hatneinem Khongsai won gold, while the Artistic Regu (Male) team of Kevin, Jon, and Sumit Kalita earned silver. Kevin further showcased his versatility by winning bronze in the Creative Male Solo event. The championship was one of the largest editions to date, featuring nearly 1,200 athletes from across India’s States and Union Territories, as well as teams from national forces including the Indian Police, CISF, Assam Rifles, ITBP, SSB, and the Indian Navy.
In the overall standings, Nagaland emerged champion, while Meghalaya finished 1st Runner-up and the Indian Police secured 2nd Runner-up. The Nagaland contingent was led by vice-president Vikishe Chophy, secretary Ghunato Kiba, and head coach & general secretary Deep Kumar. Association president Khevishe Seam congratulated all medal winners, praising their historic achievement and the pride they brought to the State.
This victory reinforces Nagaland’s emergence as one of the strongest Pencak Silat states in India.
