Leh, Sep 19 (KNS): The 10th Pencak Silat Federation Cup 2026 began at the NDS Indoor Stadium in Leh, bringing together more than 850 athletes and participants from different parts of the country.

The national-level championship is witnessing participation from States, Union Territories and paramilitary forces, with delegations representing Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, CISF, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, ITBP, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, SSB, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The opening ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena as the chief guest.

Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha; Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Shashanka Ala; Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Ladakh, Tsering Paldan; Additional Deputy Commissioner to the Lieutenant Governor Shekh Aadil and representatives of the Indian and Ladakh Pencak Silat federations were also present.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The championship has brought together more than 100 technical and federation officials and state representatives, besides over 70 coaches and team managers.

The participation of state and Union Territory teams along with paramilitary forces has added to the diversity of the championship, which provides a common platform for athletes from different regions and sporting backgrounds.

The event is also providing an opportunity for athletes and officials from across the country to experience Ladakh's sporting and cultural environment while highlighting Leh's potential to host national-level sporting events.

The organisers said the championship aims to promote Pencak Silat and provide athletes an opportunity to compete at the national level while fostering discipline, sportsmanship and interaction among participants from different parts of the country.

The Federation Cup will feature competitions involving athletes from the participating teams during the championship in Leh.(KNS)