Navi Mumbai: Team Maharashtra emerged as overall champion in the 13th Senior National Pencak Silat Championship held at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The winners have been selected for the 1st ‘Khelo India Beach Games’ to be held in Diu from May 19^th to 24^th.

The championship was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Pencak Silat Association at the KD Singh Babu stadium in Lucknow, from May 9th to 12th. The competition witnessed participation from 800 athletes representing 28 states, 8 union territories and from Defense forces.

Maharashtra emerged as the overall champion, securing six gold, four silver, and four bronze medals. The first runner-up title went to Jammu & Kashmir, with a tally of three gold, six silver, and 10 bronze medals. Uttar Pradesh secured the second runner-up position, winning three gold, three silver, and six bronze medals.

Commenting on the state’s win, Kishore Prakash Yewale, national president of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and Kopar Khairane resident, said, “We were confident about the result of Maharashtra team athletes.”

Before heading for Lucknow, athletes received their final training at the sports ground in Christ Academy School and Dnyan Vikas School, Kopar Khairane.