Four Nagaland Silat athletes are currently undergoing intensive training under international coach Suhud Indratno in Srinagar as part of the ‘Road to Olympic’ program. The athletes are participating in a three-month National Elite Training and Coaching Program organized by the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) aimed at preparing top players for the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.
The training camp brings together 100 elite athletes from across India and is being conducted under the guidance of Suhud Indratno, a globally recognized Pencak Silat coach from Indonesia. Known for his expertise in technical mastery, tactical intelligence, physical conditioning, and psychological readiness, Indratno offers athletes training methodologies aligned with international standards, helping them compete at the highest level.
The four athletes representing Nagaland are Kitenlo K Thono, Kevin, Hinokali, and Avikali V Shequi. Kitenlo has won a silver medal at the 3rd Asian Pencak Silat Championship in Vietnam, gold at the 37th National Games in Goa, and gold at the 3rd North East Games in Nagaland. Kevin is a dual gold medallist at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 and the All India University Games 2025, with three golds at the 3rd North East Games, along with silver and bronze medals at the Senior National Championship in Bhubaneswar in 2024. Hinokali has secured dual bronze medals at the 3rd Asian Championship and 37th National Games, two golds at the 3rd North East Games, and gold at the Senior National Championship in Lucknow in 2025. Avikali has won bronze at the 37th National Games, two golds at the 3rd North East Games, gold at the Senior National Championship in Odisha in 2024, and silver at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025.
The Nagaland Pencak Silat Association expressed pride in the athletes’ selection and praised the opportunity to train under Indratno. It extended best wishes to the athletes and conveyed gratitude to the IPSF Director General Md Iqbal and coach Indratno for their efforts in raising the standard of Pencak Silat in India.
