Bhubaneswar: As part of the ongoing National Sports Week celebrations, the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department organized a captivating martial arts performance against the backdrop of the historic Dhauligiri Peace Pagoda, the site of the Kalinga War. The event featured demonstrations of Kickboxing and Pencak Silat, attracting a large audience of tourists and sports enthusiasts.
Babu Singh, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Ekamara, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside senior officials from the Sports Department and representatives from the Amateur Kickboxing Association of Odisha and the Pencak Silat Association of Odisha.
Kickboxing, originating in Europe, and Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art from Indonesia and Malaysia, both promote self-defense, discipline, and physical fitness. The performances showcased the remarkable skill and agility of the athletes, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. The kickboxing demonstration featured powerful routines, while the Pencak Silat performance highlighted fluid, precise movements that reflected the cultural richness of the ancient martial art.
In addition to the martial arts showcase, the department organized an athletic event at Kalinga Stadium. State-run sports hostel athletes took the Fit India Pledge and participated in various track and field events, including sprints, long jump, and javelin throw, further enhancing the spirit of National Sports Week.