Ghana Pencak Silat Federation to collaborate with Malaysian High Commission ahead of World championship
The Ghana Pencak Silat Federation (GPSF) on Monday called on the Malaysian High Commissioner in Accra, Mr Syed Nauzer Idid Bin Syed Yusoff Idid, in its bid to strengthen their partnership and discuss preparation for Ghana’s participation in the Pencak Silat World Championship.
Pencak Silat is a fighting sport which collectively encompasses martial arts of various styles originating from Indonesia.
This form of fighting involves, striking, grappling techniques, and throwing. Pencak Silat involves full-body fighting, where any part of the body can be used and any part of the body can be attacked.
This form of fighting originated in Indonesia as a means of self-defence and turned into a competitive sport. The sport has currently spread to over 82 countries.
Though in it’s the 20th edition, Ghana will be the newest participant in the latest edition expected to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16-23 with over 1,000 athletes and officials from 82 member federations across the globe.
The Ghanaian federation was led by its President, Mr Festus Mankatah Annan Snr, and was received by Mr Yusoff Idid.
Youth engagement and development in silat-related activities were the primary focus of the meeting.
The Malaysian High Commissioner shared some valuable insights into traditional martial arts sports and pledged to support the Ghana Pencak Silat Federation in order to develop the sport internationally and locally.
According to him, a lot of expertise abound, and Ghana and Malaysia can share in that regard to train the young people in shaping the future development of youth in their respective communities.
Responding, the President of the Ghana Pencak Silat Federation, Mr Annan expressed his gratitude to the High Commission for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of collaborating to develop the Silat sport both in Ghana and on a global scale.
He said the federation and High Commission would continue to work closer to formulate programmes and policies to make the sport very popular in Ghana and hoped to make a meaningful debut at the championship in December.
Mr Annan presented an art work to the High Commissioner in appreciation of their support.
Mr Raja Afi Amierul Aiman, the Third Secretary at the Malaysian High Commission, commended the federation for the visit and hoped it gets the desired impact on the youth of Ghana.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
