Maharashtra’s women team shine at Khelo India Pencak Silat championship
- Indrani Basu
- 26 Feb, 2025
Maharashtra’s women athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the Asmita West Zone Khelo India Women’s Pencak Silat Championship, securing the championship title with an impressive haul of 26 gold medals. The competition took place at the Peddem Sports Complex in Mapusa, Goa, from February 21st to 23rd, under the auspices of the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, organised by the Pencak Silat Association of Goa.
Around 300 women athletes from six states, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu, and hosts Goa, participated in the event. Maharashtra fielded a formidable contingent of 81 women athletes, who showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition.
The team collectively secured a total of 56 medals, including 26 gold, 18 silver, and 12 bronze, clinching the championship trophy and solidifying their dominance in the Khelo India Women's League.
In addition to the medals, the winners will receive cash prizes directly deposited into their bank accounts through the Sports Authority of India (SAI): Rs. 6,000 for gold, Rs. 4,000 for silver, and Rs. 2,000 for bronze.
The Maharashtra team was expertly coached by Anshul Kamble, with Omkar Abhang serving as the team manager. They received invaluable support from a dedicated team of assistants, including Sahebrao Owhal, Sanket Dhamande, Nagesh Bansode, Purnima Teli, Trupti Bansode, Akash Dhabadge, Yogesh Panpatil, Suhas Patil, Amol Kadam, and Nagesh Kalbhor.
The remarkable achievements of these athletes have earned them a place in the upcoming Khelo India Pencak Silat Women's National League Championship, which will be held in Chhattisgarh (Sub Junior), Maharashtra (Junior), and Jammu & Kashmir (Senior).
The closing and prize distribution ceremony, held on February 23rd, was attended by notable figures including Kishore Prakash Yewale, Tariq Zargar (General Secretary, Indian Pencak Silat Federation), Dr. Chandrashekhar Shetty (MLA, Bicholim Goa), and Dr. Shekhar Salkar (President, Pencak Silat Association of Goa).
