Pencak Silat Becomes The Official Sports Of AYG 2025, Foreign Minister Sugiono: Evidence Of Being Loved By Many Nations

Deputy IPSI Sugiono. (Source: Indonesian Foreign Minister Team)

"The appearance of Pencak Silat as an official sport in the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain is proof that the original Indonesian martial arts is loved by many nations," said Deputy Chairperson of PB IPSI Sugiono.

Pencak Silat's debut at AYG 2025 begins with the women's pesilat match between Singapore and Uzbekistan. The match was tight, but finally the Uzbekistan fighters managed to come out victorious.

Sugiono called this momentum an important milestone for Indonesian cultural diplomacy as well as the result of the commitment of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

It is said that Pencak Silat's debut at AYG Bahrain 2025, which was competed on October 19-24, was not only a sports achievement, but also a symbolic gift for the nation.

"This is a historic moment, because Pencak Silat for the first time performed at the Asian Youth Games. We should be proud, the martial arts of the nation's heritage can finally stand on par with other sports in multi-event Asia," explained Sugiono in his statement as quoted on October 20.

In AYG Bahrain 2025, Pencak Silat is competed in a match number with three classes: Men D (51 55 kg), Men's F (59 63 kg), and Putri D (51 55 kg). Junior fighters aged 14 17 years appeared on October 19' 20, showing strategy, technique, and distinctive spirit of silat.

Sugiono, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized that the participation of young athletes is part of regeneration.

"This competition is a stage for young athletes to show talent as well as finalize their experiences. They are the golden generation who will make Indonesia proud at the international level," he explained.

A total of 14 countries have confirmed that they will take part in this historic debut, namely Bahrain, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

This broad participation shows Pencak Silat is increasingly recognized and accepted at the Asian level.

"This is clear evidence that Pencak Silat does not only belong to Indonesia, but has become a sport that is loved by many nations," said Sugiono.

Foreign Minister Sugiono further said that the entry of Pencak Silat to AYG 2025 was a major step in Indonesian cultural diplomacy.

"Pencak Silat is not just a matter of competing. There are noble values, philosophy, and traditions that accompany it. By appearing in an event as big as AYG, we bring a message about brotherhood, respect for the opponent, and the spirit of togetherness," he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation (APSIF) who is also an assistant technical delegate Indonesia Abdul Karim Aljufri said that Pencak Silat is now not just a sport, but a means of cultural exchange between the younger generation of Asia.

"This is not only a victory for Pencak Silat, but also a victory for the Indonesian nation. I am sure that the younger generation will be more proud to pursue silat and make it a way to achieve world achievements," he said.

The PB IPSI management added that the success of pencak silat entering AYG could not be separated from the support of President Prabowo Subianto.

According to him, Presidential diplomacy, the hard work of Foreign Minister Sugiono, and the active role of the Indonesian Embassy in various countries are the keys to the success of this achievement.

"This is a gift from Mr. President Prabowo for Indonesia. Presidential diplomacy and also the role of the Foreign Minister and the ranks of the Indonesian Embassy who are very supportive to pencak silat," he concluded.