The Woodcreek School triumphed over 14 other schools to clinch the Pencak Silat Ambassador’s Cup in a dramatic contest held at the school’s auditorium in Kamiti, Kiambu county on Saturday 22nd June 2024.
Kajiado’s Calvary Baptist Academy came second while Ruiru’s Jacridge School placed third in the tournament which was organised by the National Federation of Pencak Silat Kenya (NFPSK) in conjunction with the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi.
A total of 248 participants from various Kenyan schools participated in the event across the children, adults, men and women’s categories.
“This is the first event to be held, and the Kenyan people responded very positively,” said Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Kenya. “This activity not only fosters cultural exchange between Indonesia and Kenya, but also acts as a cultural bridge in increasing mutual understanding and people to people relationships between the two countries.”
The event is part of a series of activities lined up by the Embassy to commemorate 45 years of diplomatic ties between Kenya and Indonesia.
“These events provide a platform for cultural connection which is critical in strengthening diplomatic relations between Kenya and Indonesia”, said Dr. Maurice Okoth, Director of Asia and the Pacific region at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. “The Kenyan government is considering introducing martial arts in the education curriculum because the sports help to nurture discipline and character in young people as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.”
According to the organisers, pupils from the top schools which took part in the competition will receive academic scholarships to pursue studies in Indonesia in addition to facilitation to take part in international Pencak Silat competitions that will be held in Abu Dhabi and Jakarta later this year.
“We hope that more partners will come on board to support the growth of Pencak Silat as we work to establish more Pencak Silat chapters across Kenya and other African countries,” noted NFPSK President Cleophas Chalicha.
