Representativces of the Nagaland Pencak Silat girls team pose for a photo with the medals during the ASMITA Khelo India Pencak Silat League 2026 (East Zone) held at Jharsuguda in Odisha on March 8.
Kohima, March 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Pencak Silat girls team delivered an impressive performance, emerging runner-up at the ASMITA Khelo India Pencak Silat League 2026 (East Zone) held at Jharsuguda in Odisha on March 7 and 8.
Competing against top athletes from across the eastern region, the Nagaland team displayed remarkable skill and determination to secure a total of 18 medals — eight gold, two silver and eight bronze — finishing second overall in the league.
The championship witnessed participation from around 650 girl athletes representing 12 states — Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim — competing in various age and weight categories.
The league was organised under the supervision of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation in association with the Odisha Pencak Silat Association, with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Khelo India initiative aimed at promoting women’s participation in sports.
The Nagaland contingent maintained discipline and fighting spirit throughout the competition, and their medal haul and runner-up finish mark a significant achievement for the state while reflecting the growing standard of Pencak Silat in Nagaland.
The team was led by coach Deep Kumar, while Kuhoshe Sumi and Retuwn Philio Anal officiated as referees representing the Nagaland Pencak Silat Association.
Among the gold medal winners in the Tanding (sparring) category were Tina Thapa, Liike Kibami, Avikali V Sheqi, Nyia K Thono, Hatneinem Khongsai, Imtichila Pongen, Heile Kath and Nishepe Zhimomi. Silver medals were won by Juli Tsuqu in the Tanding category and by Mughatoli Awomi, Vinikali Zhimomi and Pulotoli Shohe in the Regu (group) event.
Bronze medals in the Ganda (pair) event were won by Shenla Kinimi and Heile Kath in the sub-junior category, and by Liike Kibami and Hatneinem Khongsai in the senior category.
In the Regu (group) event, bronze medals in the sub-junior category were secured by Shenla Kinimi, Liniu T Chishi and Heile Kath, while the senior team comprising Liike Kibami, Avikali V Sheqi and Nyia K. Thono also won bronze. Nishepe Zhimomi additionally secured two bronze medals in the Creative Solo and Tunggal events in the Macan category.
