The 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games delivered electrifying action in the Pencak Silat arena, where elite fighters from across the region clashed in a blend of precision, power, and tradition. With nine of the 11 Southeast Asian nations competing, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown—though not without drama.
Timor Leste did not participate due to a lack of active federation, while Cambodia—fresh off hosting the 32nd SEA Games—was absent amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with Thailand.
Ten tanding (sparring) events lit up the mat: Men’s U-45, A, C, D, E, F, G, I, and Women’s B, C. In the artistic discipline (TGR), the spotlight shone on Men’s Tunggal, Women’s Tunggal, and Men’s Regu—where grace, timing, and synchronized mastery defined victory.
The gold medal count told a tale of fierce competition and regional dominance: Indonesia: 4 golds, Thailand: 3 golds, Malaysia: 3 golds — Vietnam: 2 golds, Singapore: 1 gold.
Out of nine nations in the arena, eight claimed medals—a testament to the sport’s growing reach. Only Myanmar came away empty-handed. But don’t count them out just yet. Though excluded since SEA Games 2013, Myanmar’s return to the Pencak Silat scene was a quiet yet powerful statement. Their athletes lost by razor-thin margins—sometimes just fractions of a point—proving their potential is not just real, but imminent. Next time, the medals may well be theirs. (tssh)