Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Following Indonesia’s overall victory at the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship and the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo expected for pencak silat to be featured in the Olympics.

Held from 18 to 22 December 2024, the event drew 1,100 participants from 57 countries, underscoring the sport's growing global appeal. 

“This proves pencak silat's potential as a globally recognized sport,” said the minister in a statement on Wednesday (25/12/2024), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Indonesia showcased its dominance with 170 athletes, winning 11 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals in the senior division, and 11 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze in the junior category. Vietnam and Malaysia trailed in the senior category, while Singapore and Kazakhstan followed in the junior division.

Minister Dito emphasized the significance of spreading pencak silat's values worldwide, strengthening international friendships, and garnering recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

(mg/inp/pr/nm)