Athletes during the opening ceremony of the Pencak Silat Championships at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai.

Following the glittering ceremony, the opening day of the competitions witnessed some intense clashes on the mat.

Almost 500 athletes representing 18 countries from across the world are taking part in both events. The finals will take place on Sunday.

Pencak Silat is a collective term for an indigenous martial art from the geo-cultural area of the Nusantara Archipelago dating back to the 6th century. It is an ancient dynamic unarmed and armed combative art of self-defense, unveiling of intangible cultural heritage through the artistic relentless body movement and sport promoting personal development, endurance, discipline, well-being, cultural preservation, and community building.

The multifaceted nature of Pencak Silat adds a unique layer of excitement to the competition. The fusion of self-defense, artistic expression, and traditional music creates a dynamic and captivating spectacle.

These elements not only showcase the diversity of the martial arts but also make it an engaging and memorable event for everyone involved, from the participants immersed in the art to the spectators enchanted by the performance.

Dr Sheik Alau’ddin, the President of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation, said: “We are having the Pencak Silat Championship in Dubai and the Middle East for the first time, a momentous occasion for us.

“The warm welcome and honor extended to us by the people here have been truly gratifying. With participants from 18 countries and international clubs, the level of enthusiasm and hospitality is overwhelming.

“The interest shown by the people here in this sport has been exceptional, and we are delighted to announce our commitment to hosting this championship annually,” he said.

Participation at the 7th Asian Pencak Silat Championship is limited to Asian countries, while the first edition of the Middle East Pencak Silat Championship is open to all federations, associations, and international clubs.

“Next on our agenda is the Pencak Silat World Cup to be held in Abu Dhabi in March 2024, followed by the second Middle East Open Pencak Silat Championship.

“Our goal is to establish the UAE as a central hub for Pencak Silat in the middle east, and we aspire to see Emiratis actively participating in this dynamic sport.

“With Muay Thai, UFC, and Jiu Jitsu already gaining prominence in the UAE, I am prepared to collaborate with the UAE Pencak Silat Fderation to further promote Pencak Silat. Working closely with local clubs and having secured approval from the UAE National Olympic Committee, we aim to contribute to the growth and success of the sport in the UAE,” he added.

Omar Hamed Almarri, Chairman of UAE Pencak Silat, said: “We are fortunate to have the backing of the UAE federation. In Dubai, our aim is to extend a warm welcome to all participants. Establishing a federation in Dubai is a crucial step for us, and it marks a promising beginning for the growth of Pencak Silat in the country.”