Fifty-two participants from across the nation showcased their skills in the Pencak Silat and Seni Silat Competition, held last Sunday at the Mumong Sports Complex. The event was organised in celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 78th birthday.
Hosted by the Persekutuan Pencak Silat Kebangsaan Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB), the competition brought together youth and adults from three prominent Silat groups: Pertubuhan Seni Warisan Pelangi (PSWP), Pertubuhan Gagak Hitam (PERGAH), and Perguruan Jurusan Al Faqar Sumur 7 (PJAFS7).
The Acting Belait District Officer, Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, officiated the event, which featured four competition categories: Seni Silat Melayu Kuntau for Adults, Seni Cakak Asli for Youths, Class D for Adults, and Class C for Youths.
In the Seni Silat Melayu Kuntau for Adults, Arif bin Yahya from PERGAH clinched first place. Mohd Hamizan bin Hanapiah, also from PERGAH, won first place in the Seni Cakak Asli for Youths. The winners in the Class D competition for Adults and Class C competition for Youths were Md Nur Rizal Hakim bin Md Nur Izan from PERGAH and Muhammad Isyraq Zulfadhli bin Ali from PSWP, respectively.
The event concluded with an awards presentation where the winners received their prizes from the guest of honour. – DANIEL LIM
