Island warriors script history: Squad clinches 19 medals at National Pencak Silat Championship

Port Blair: In a historic feat that punches far above its weight, a diminutive 32-member contingent from the remote, geographically scattered Andaman and Nicobar Islands has taken the national stage by storm, clinching a haul of 19 medals at the 14th National Pencak Silat Championship 2026.Competing against a massive pool of over 1,900 participants from across the country in Nashik, Maharashtra, the island squad secured 3 Gold, 4 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals.For a Union Territory with a sparse population split across isolated islands, outperforming heavily funded mainland states is a monumental milestone. The sheer logistics of training and traveling from the archipelago make this triumph an extraordinary story of grit, passion, and raw talent.Overcoming Radical Rule ChangesThe championship, which featured sub-junior and junior athletes ranging from ages 5 to 16, served as a testing ground for a completely revamped set of rules implemented for the 2026 season. Pencak Silat—an Indonesian martial art rapidly advancing on the “Road to the Olympics” and a core fixture in the Asian Games—transitioned to a highly strict scoring system.Under the new regulations, uncontrolled strikes or structural errors result in heavy point deductions, requiring immense mental acuity and physical precision. “The rules completely changed this year, which made it incredibly challenging to adapt quickly,” explained P. Dhanistha, an 8th-grade student who won a hard-fought bronze after winning three consecutive matches in a grueling 14-athlete bracket. “But it was an amazing experience to explore the level of competition from other states. We worked incredibly hard for this.”Other notable young fighters included Sudiksha Das (Class 11, Model School), who alongside teammates Angel Aletta and Trisha Sunil, clinched a bronze in the synchronized Regu (artistic) event. The squad also showcased jaw-dropping talent in its youngest ranks, with a 5-year-old prodigy securing a bronze medal in their respective weight category.Triumphs Built on Empty Pockets:Despite the celebration, the victory highlights a sobering reality for island sports. In a post-tournament briefing, team coordinators and senior trainers (Shihan and Sensei) pointed out that the squad’s success is entirely self-funded, driven by dedicated master trainers and relentless parental support.”Every single trip to the mainland costs each child at least ₹20,000 just for flight tickets, before food and accommodation,” a team official revealed. “Our children have immense capability, but many brilliant athletes are forced to stay back in the islands purely due to financial constraints.”Making an impassioned plea to the Union Territory Administration and the Directorate of Sports, coaches stressed that martial arts should not be treated as a casual hobby. “This isn’t a game of carrom or chess where a few weeks of practice is enough. It requires year-round, full-contact dedication. We are creating an alternative for our youth, keeping them away from mobile addiction and substance abuse, and building self-discipline. We are building the future pillars of India. If the administration steps in with basic travel and infrastructure funding, these children will bring home Olympic gold.”Community Stepping Up: As official financial support lags, local citizens are stepping into the vacuum to honor the young champions. Moved by their historic performance against staggering logistical odds, retired Police Inspector Manjit Singh made a heartfelt announcement at the team’s reception.”I am incredibly proud of what these children from our scattered islands have achieved on an all-India stage,” Singh said. “To show my support, I am pledging one percent of my monthly pension directly to help these young martial artists continue their training.”With the Commonwealth Championship selections and another major National Tournament scheduled for September, the Pencak Silat squad from Andaman and Nicobar is already back on the mats. Having proven they can conquer the nation on a shoestring budget, these island warriors have sent a clear message: they are ready for the world stage—if only given the wings to fly.