Sydney, Jan 10: Australia is gearing up for a significant martial arts event as Perth, Western Australia, prepares to host the 11th National Pencak Silat Titles from 11 to 13 October 2024.
This announcement follows the successful organization of the largest Australian Pencak Silat Titles to date in November last year.
The upcoming National Titles will not only feature Australian athletes but also international competitors, expected to set new attendance records.
Lee Edmondson of Pencak Silat Australia (Wirayudha Pencak Silat style) expressed excitement about the sport’s growing popularity in Australia.
“The growth of Pencak Silat here over the past decade has been phenomenal, and the increasing competitiveness and interest in this traditional Indonesian martial art are remarkable,” said Edmondson.
Top performers from the National Titles will be eligible to represent Australia in the next Pencak Silat World Championship, a biennial event held in various South-East Asian countries.
This opportunity is open to Australian citizens and residents.
In light of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, where Pencak Silat aims to be recognized as an Olympic sport, Edmondson emphasizes the importance of competitions like the National Titles for athletes to refine their skills.
“Competing against top teams like Indonesia and Malaysia is a challenge, and our athletes need these platforms to hone their abilities,” he added.
Training for judges and coaches is also a priority to align with international standards. In preparation for the 2023 National Titles, judges underwent training with representatives from the International Pencak Silat Federation (Persilat) via video conference.
Unfortunately, the 20th World Pencak Silat Senior & Junior Championship, initially scheduled for 27 – 31 December 2023 in Singapore, has been postponed.
The delay of the World Championship, the pinnacle event for Pencak Silat athletes, is a setback for Australian and international competitors.
“The postponement means a shift in training schedules, but we remain committed to keeping our athletes and enthusiasts informed of future developments,” Edmondson stated.
Pencak Silat enthusiasts and athletes interested in representing Wirayudha Pencak Silat at the National Titles or Australia at the World Championships are encouraged to contact Lee Edmondson of Pencak Silat Australia.
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