emirates7 - The 20th World Pencak Silat Championship, along with the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, began on Wednesday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Running until 22nd December, the event has drawn over 1,200 participants from 55 nations. Organized by the International Pencak Silat Federation in partnership with the General Authority for Sports and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the championships feature various competition categories, including artistic displays and combat matches showcasing defensive techniques, striking, and takedowns. Athletes aged 12 to 46 will compete in different divisions.

Pencak Silat’s global popularity continues to rise, marking an important milestone in its journey toward inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, following its exhibition at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the 2022 World Pencak Championship in Malaysia.

As one of the premier events in the mixed martial arts world, the World Pencak Silat Championship attracts top talent from around the globe. Originating in Indonesia, Pencak Silat has become widely practiced across Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.