Countdown begins: Sakshi gears up for Pencak Silat championship

In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh, Sakshi Thakur from Bilaspur district has earned a coveted place in the Indian junior team for the 3rd Junior Asian Pencak Silat Championship. The tournament will be held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, from September 25 to 30 under the aegis of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation, recognised by the Government of India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Sakshi secured her spot on the national team with a stellar performance at the Federation Cup, held from August 2 to 4 in Ladakh, where she won the silver medal in the 55-59 kg junior girls’ category.

Himachal Pradesh Pencak Silat Association president Joginder Singh Azad hailed her achievement as a milestone for both the athlete and the state. “It is a matter of great pride that our daughter from Himachal Pradesh will represent India at the international level in a martial art recognised by the Indian government. We expect an excellent performance from Sakshi in the upcoming Asian Championship,” he said.

Sakshi has been training in Pencak Silat for the past four years under the guidance of Brij Lal Chauhan, general secretary and coach of the Bilaspur District Pencak Silat Association. Over this period, she has consistently brought laurels to Himachal Pradesh, winning medals at multiple national-level competitions.

The Himachal Pradesh Pencak Silat Association, including chairman HD Panchani, vice-presidents Brij Lal Chauhan (Mandi) and Surender Kumar, general secretary Mohammad Javed, treasurer Banita Kumari and executive members Narender Kumar, Rohan and Devgya Awasthi, extended heartfelt congratulations to Sakshi and her coach for this achievement.

As the countdown to the Junior Asian Championship begins, all eyes are on Sakshi as she gears up to make both her state and the nation proud on the international stage.