KUALA LANGAT, Aug 28 — Silambam is not merely a platform for winning medals, but can also instil discipline, resilience, and character in younger generations.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said the success of silambam athletes during the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) also demonstrated the traditional martial art's potential for further development.
“I am extremely happy and proud to see youngsters from Kuala Langat successfully winning gold medals and achieving various outstanding results in silambam events at this year’s SUKMA.
“Silambam is not merely a sporting event, but is an element of the heritage and culture of the Indian community that must continue to be preserved. At the same time, the sport can instil discipline, resilience, and character among the younger generation,” he said.
Papparaidu was speaking at the ceremony to honour nine athletes and the Kuala Langat silambam management team, who achieved commendable results representing Selangor and the Federal Territory at SUKMA 2026.
He added that efforts to develop silambam will continue to receive attention, including securing appropriate allocations to support the sport’s development and sustainability.
Among the athletes who achieved success was Sasmita Ravi, who won two gold medals in the kuttu varisai category and the mixed team unarmed rhythmic event.
Sharvien Rajh Selvam won gold in the mixed team unarmed rhythmic event, while Kiran Jenifer Danchill contributed one silver and one bronze medal in the mixed team armed rhythmic event and the thanithiramai stick event.
Meanwhile, silambam coach Chandran Paramasivam said the athletes’ success resulted from more than a year of preparation and intensive training for the biennial Games.
“The athletes trained consistently, day and night, regardless of the time, in preparation for the championship. Their efforts and sacrifices eventually paid off when they succeeded in winning gold medals,” he said.
Chandran noted that the achievement was also driven by the guidance and support of the Selangor coaching team throughout the preparation period.
“I hope silambam will continue to be given more opportunities to develop at a higher level, including being contested at events such as the SEA Games and Commonwealth Games,” he said.
