Singapore will be hosting the World Silat Championships in December.
On 29 August, Singapore Silat Federation Chief Executive Officer Sheik Ala’uddin told the media that Singapore had been given the approval to host the event from 11 to 17 December this year by the International Silat Federation chief Prabowo Subianto.
Singapore last hosted the event in 2004 but also hosted the event in 1988 when the sport was still at its infancy in development.
With at least 1,000 athletes set for Singapore for the World Championships, it will be a busy next few months for Singapore Silat Federation as they organise the extravaganza, which is likely to be held at the OCBC Arena.
Singapore currently has two world champions in silat – Sheik Farhan Sheik Ala’uddin and Shakir Juanda.
At the last world championships held in Singapore in 2004, Singapore snagged four gold, four silver and nine bronze medals.
Said Sheik, who is also the President of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation: “We are trying to get as many countries to come for the World Championships. We also hope for China to send their athletes, as they will be hosting the next Asian Games in 2022.”
Singapore earned two silvers and three bronze medals from the ongoing Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.