Bhagalpur’s Prince Kumar Selected for International Pencak Silat Competition in Uzbekistan

Prince Kumar, a resident of Parbatti in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, has been selected to represent India at the 21st World Pencak Silat Championship and the 6th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The events are expected to attract athletes from more than 30 countries, with 33 nations cited as a participation figure.

Competition and Schedule

The World Pencak Silat Championship is an international competition in the martial art of pencak silat. The 2026 championships are scheduled to take place in Tashkent. Two different date ranges have been cited: 22–29 November 2026 and 5–12 December 2026; the supplied information does not establish which schedule is final. The 21st senior championship and 6th junior championship are separate editions for their respective competition categories.

Kumar trains under coach Kundan and is reported to practise for about four hours each day while preparing for his Class 12 examinations. His father, Deepak Mandal, runs a snack shop. Kumar has previously competed at national level, according to the supplied facts.

Pencak Silat: Origin and Forms

Pencak silat is a martial art associated with the Indonesian archipelago. It combines self-defence and combat techniques with artistic movement. Its competition formats include tanding, a combat contest, and seni, which presents choreographed techniques and forms. Rules, weight divisions and scoring are set by the relevant competition organisers.

UNESCO inscribed “Traditions of Pencak Silat” on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019. Pencak silat was also included in the 2018 Asian Games programme, held in Indonesia.

International Representation

Selection for the Tashkent event places Kumar in India’s delegation for an international championship. The event combines senior and junior world championship competitions, while the stated participation estimate exceeds 30 countries. The two reported date windows should be distinguished until the final event schedule is confirmed.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pencak silat is a martial art associated with the Indonesian archipelago.
• UNESCO added “Traditions of Pencak Silat” to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.
• Pencak silat featured in the 2018 Asian Games, hosted by Indonesia.
• Tanding is the combat format, while seni involves artistic forms and techniques.

Prince Kumar is from Parbatti in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, and is selected for the 2026 championships in Tashkent. The 2026 event dates are given as either 22–29 November or 5–12 December.