MARAN, May 2 - A total of 1,500 local and foreign silat fighters from 87 teams will compete in the National and International Silat Cekak Harimau Championship, the 2025 Datuk Seri Shahaniza Cup.

The tournament organised by the Malaysian Silat Cekak Harimau Organisation and the Pahang State Silat Association (Pesaka Pahang) will take place for 4 days starting yesterday at the Balora Mastika Bandar Jengka, here.

According to the Organising Chairman, Datuk Osman Nok, the biennial tournament has been expanded to include foreign silat players, in conjunction with the 44th anniversary of the Malaysian Silat Cekak Harimau Association.

He said that among the participating countries are Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, thus providing a challenge to local martial artists.

"Various categories are being contested, including Higher Education Institution Competitions and International Invitationals for silat fighters from the age of 17 to 35 years old.

"In addition, the Sukma Match is for the 16 to 20 year old category of fighters and the Youth Match is for the 13 to 15 year old category of fighters," he said.

The tournament has 362 medals at stake for all categories being contested.