Pencak silat demo impresses Indian Olympic Association delegates

Pencak silat, sqay, roll ball and lagori sports demo held before Indian Olympic association delegates
Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.
Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.Photo: Dhiraj Harmalkar

The Indian Olympic Association delegates who had come to witness the demonstration of pencak silat, sqay, roll ball and lagori games were very impressed with the expertise shown by the silat practitioners on Monday. This demonstration was held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim.

Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.
Goa's tourism needs revamping to have significant appeal in the future

Over a hundred participants involved in pencak silat, sqay, roll ball and lagori games, performed at the Navelim indoor stadium before the delegates who had come to investigate the quality of the games for their inclusion in the 37th National Games 2023, which are likely to take place in the months of October and November in Goa.

Players displaying some skills of Lagori game during the demonstration.
Players displaying some skills of Lagori game during the demonstration.Photo: Dhiraj Harmalkar

There were four categories for the purpose of sequential demonstration. First, the lagori team demonstrated their game. Lagori is a traditional game of Goa, and a sport that has been played in Goan villages for ages. This game consists of a ball being aimed at a ring tower. The Goan team playing lagori displayed good skill and energy.

Sqay, Rollerball, Silat and Lagori teams listening to the delegates address in Navelim indoor stadium.
Sqay, Rollerball, Silat and Lagori teams listening to the delegates address in Navelim indoor stadium.Photo: Dhiraj Harmalkar

The pencak silat team was demonstrated second. Being a South East Asian martial art, it has some influences from other oriental martial arts. The team displayed agility, strength, speed, graceful movements, ganda (duel), tungal (forms), traditional weapon expertise, tumbling, etc.

The delegates who witnessed this demonstration were stunned at the mastery gained over the art by the silat practitioners. The delegates encouraged the participants to achieve greater heights.

Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.
Infra for 37th National Games in Goa satisfactory: IOA

The next demonstration was roll ball. Both the teams playing the game showed some exceptional skills. The players tried to score a goal while skating, which was quite a balancing act. The game was intense and the delegates were happy to see the performance by the players.

Lastly, there was a demonstration of sqay martial arts. The players tried to hit various body parts with the spongy sword and kicks, trying to score points. The match which went on for 15 minutes saw the players giving their best during the performance. 

Pencak Silat team along with the Indian Olympic Association delegates posing for a photo.
Pencak Silat team along with the Indian Olympic Association delegates posing for a photo.Photo: Dhiraj Harmalkar

Meanwhile, Amitabh Sharma, the executive member of IOA and chairman of the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) said the teams that have given demonstrations in pencak silat and other sports were very good, and that it was a great opportunity for the participants to showcase their talent. 

Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.
Feel the colourful Holi vibes in Goa

Kishore Yewale, the president of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation said, "This demonstration was held for the inclusion of this sport in the 37th National Games which will be held in Goa. There were 30 players of pencak silat of international standards who gave demonstrations in five categories of the game. The delegates who saw the demonstration of silat were all praise for the team and were happy to witness such a demo.”

Pencak Silat team demonstrating Silat form before delegates.
Feel the colourful Holi vibes in Goa

Anthony Cedley Braganza, the general secretary of the Indian Pencak Silat Association Goa said that the Indian Olympic Association delegates were very impressed with the silat team. There were other sports such as lagori, sqay and roll ball, but the delegates liked the pencak silat demo more.

Your Gateway to Goa, India

The Gomantak Times app is the best way to stay informed on anything happening in Goa. From breaking news to the top 10 restaurants to visit, GT helps you navigate your time in Goa.

Download the Gomantak Times app on your Android or IOS device.

Related Stories

No stories found.
Gomantak Times
www.gomantaktimes.com