KBRN, Jakarta: Former Chairman of the International Pencak Silat Federation (Persilat), Benny Sumarsono, hailed the inclusion of pencak silat as a medal sport at the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain as the result of long-term diplomatic efforts.

Persilat, in collaboration with the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia), successfully convinced the AYG organizing committee and host country Bahrain of the sport’s cultural and competitive value. “Today, pencak silat is no longer an exhibition sport, but an official discipline competing for medals,” Benny said in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

A total of 14 countries participated in the pencak silat competition, reflecting its growing acceptance across Asia. The medal distribution was notably balanced, underscoring the sport’s competitive depth.

Indonesia secured one gold and one silver medal in this inaugural event, alongside Uzbekistan and the Philippines. “This is not only a historic moment for Indonesia, but also proof that pencak silat is now truly embraced across Asia,” Benny added.

Indonesian NOC Chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari described the gold medal as a dual victory, for the athletes and for Indonesia’s sports diplomacy. “Pencak silat is part of our national identity, and today the world has seen how our cultural heritage stands proudly on Asia’s sporting stage,” he said.

Okto reaffirmed NOC Indonesia’s commitment to promoting pencak silat globally. “Our main goal is to make pencak silat an international sport,” he added.

As a gesture of appreciation, Okto had the honor of awarding medals to the winners of the pencak silat competition at the 2025 Asian Youth Games. His presence further underscored Indonesia’s role as a global center for pencak silat development.

The competition marked a historic milestone for pencak silat, which appeared for the first time as an official medal sport at the Asian Youth Games. Previously featured only as an exhibition, its elevation followed intensive diplomacy led by Persilat and NOC Indonesia.

The event ran smoothly and received widespread praise. Participating nations included Indonesia, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia.

Medal distribution was as follows: Indonesia earned one gold and one silver; Uzbekistan took home one gold and one bronze; the Philippines secured one gold; Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan each won a silver; while Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia each earned a bronze.

The historic moment was witnessed by Indonesian Ambassador to Bahrain, Ardi Hermawan, who attended the event at Hall 1, Exhibition World Bahrain.

During the opening ceremony, he and Persilat Secretary General Teddy Suratmadji presented a kujang, a traditional Indonesian blade, as a symbolic gesture marking the start of the pencak silat competition.

“Hall 1 at Exhibition World Bahrain has now witnessed the birth of pencak silat’s first gold medal at the Asian Youth Games. This is not only history for Indonesia, but also a testament to the sport’s growing recognition in Asia,” Benny said.

Okto emphasized that pencak silat’s success in Bahrain reflects the strength of Indonesia’s international sports diplomacy. “This gold medal is not just an athlete’s victory, it’s a triumph for Indonesian diplomacy. Pencak silat is our cultural identity, and today the world saw it stand tall on Asia’s stage,” he said.

Looking ahead, Okto pledged continued support for pencak silat’s global expansion. “We will keep pushing for pencak silat to appear on more international platforms. Our ultimate goal is to make pencak silat a truly global sport,” he said.

His role in presenting medals to the winners further reinforced Indonesia’s leadership in pencak silat development worldwide. ***