In a remarkable achievement for Indian traditional sports, 18 students from Coimbatore clinched gold medals at the Indo-Nepal International Silambam Championship 2026 held in Pokhara, Nepal.
The prestigious championship took place at Rangasala Stadium from May 8 to 12 and featured competitors across multiple age groups and disciplines of Silambam — the ancient martial art form originating from Tamil Nadu.
Coimbatore Athletes Dominate International Stage
The young athletes delivered a flawless performance, winning gold medals in their respective categories including Single Stick, Double Stick, Sword Spinning, Spear Throwing, Deer Horn Throwing and Stick Fighting.
Participants competed across several divisions ranging from Under-7 to Senior categories, showcasing the growing global popularity of Silambam.
The students were trained at Mohan’s Academy in Coimbatore, which has reportedly coached more than 1,200 students in Silambam and athletics over the past eight years.
‘Proud To Win For India’
One of the gold medal winners, Adyan, expressed pride in representing India on the international stage and highlighted the cultural significance of Silambam.
“I’m very proud of it. Silambam is a cultural sport of Tamil Nadu, and we want it spread worldwide,” he said after returning from Nepal.
He also credited coach Mohan for the team’s success and urged authorities to provide greater recognition and support to the traditional martial art.
Journey From Local Events To International Glory
Before their success in Nepal, the students had excelled in district, state and national-level competitions organised under the School Games and Activity Development Foundation, supported by the Fit India Movement.
Twenty-five students from the academy had earlier qualified for the national Silambam championship in Goa, where they also delivered impressive performances in various weapon-based disciplines.
Following their international triumph, the medal-winning athletes have now been selected for the upcoming Asian Silambam Championship in Thailand, marking another major milestone for the academy and the sport.
Silambam Gains Global Recognition
The latest success has once again brought attention to Silambam, one of India’s oldest martial arts traditions known for its fast-paced stick-fighting techniques and disciplined training methods.
The Coimbatore contingent received a warm welcome upon their return to India, with supporters celebrating the athletes for bringing glory to the country and helping preserve Tamil Nadu’s rich sporting heritage.
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