Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia — 4 October 2026
Students of One Earth School Bali achieved a proud feat at the 9th International Silambam Porr Kalai Championship 2026, held at the Paroi Sports Complex, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Following intensive training with Porr Kalai Silambam Malaysia in Bali, the students performed with confidence and brought home 10 medals: 5 bronze, 4 silver, and 1 gold, as well as 3 gold medals in the special combat category. These 13 medals in total placed the Indonesian team securing third place overall.
One Earth School is an intercultural school founded by Bapak Anand Krishna in 2009. He is a Spiritual Humanist activist and the author of over 200 books. The school operates under the Anand Krishna Educational Foundation, one of the branches of the Anand Ashram Foundation affiliated with the United Nations.
One Earth School implements character-based education guided by the motto, “Schooling for Life, Not for Living Alone.” To realise this motto, Silambam is taught not merely as a sport of self-defence, bus as a means of character education. This is also in line with the school’s vision to nurture a young generation that is courageous, cultured and ready to face the world with a positive spirit.
Silambam itself is a traditional martial art from South India that uses various types of sticks as its primary weapons. Today, this sport has grown rapidly in South-East Asia, particularly in Malaysia, as part of a cultural heritage that has garnered global attention. UNESCO recognises Silambam as one of the traditional martial arts of high cultural value. Meanwhile, the World Silambam Federation emphasises its role as a global competitive sport. The philosophy of Silambam emphasises the development of the inner warrior within every individual. Values such as courage, fortitude, spirit, enthusiasm, and the strength of resolve to face life’s challenges lie at the heart of Silambam.
In the competition, Ni Putu Indah Farras Alisha (Grade 5) won three bronze medals in the madu (deer horn performance), thothu (empty-hand pattern performance), and combat categories for girls aged 9–11, as well as a gold medal in the special combat category.
Rugaiyah Iloponu (Grade 8) contributed one bronze medal in the girls’ madu category for ages 14–15 and one gold medal in the special combat category.
Gusti Agung Kirti Rajeshwari (Grade 9) won a bronze medal in the girls’ 14–15 vel kambu (long spear performance) category.
Divya Arihito Simamora (Grade 9) added another gold medal in the special combat category.
Kasih Kamila Dewi (Grade 10) achieved an impressive three silver medals in the madu, vel kambu, and combat categories for girls aged 16–17.
Meanwhile, Jovan Josia S. Colia (Grade 11) delivered an outstanding performance, winning a silver medal in the vel kambu category and a gold medal in the combat category for boys aged 14–15.
“We are extremely proud of our students’ hard work and dedication. This achievement is not merely a sporting victory, but also a manifestation of cultural exchange and friendship between Indonesia and Malaysia,” said Bapak Wayan Gede Sudiartha, Chairman of the Anand Krishna Educational Foundation.
Through this achievement, One Earth School Bali reaffirms its commitment to developing the traditional martial art of Silambam amongst the younger generation, while strengthening Indonesia’s presence and reputation on the international stage.
