Arunachal Pradesh: Where Martial Arts Meet Legacy and Talent

Nestled amidst the rugged terrains and cultural vibrancy of Arunachal Pradesh, the youth of the state are not only emerging as champions in traditional sports but are fast becoming icons in the world of martial arts. With remarkable victories in national championships, these young athletes are demonstrating that their excellence in martial arts is more than a pursuit of victory—it's a reflection of a deep-rooted cultural ethos and an inherited gift. Martial arts, once a community tradition, now shape the future of Arunachal’s youth, placing the state firmly on India’s sporting map.

In Arunachal Pradesh, martial arts are not just seen as sports, but they are an integral part of the fabric of life, woven into the cultural consciousness of its people. Traditionally, physical strength, discipline and self-defence have been integral aspects of the region's tribal identity. From headhunting rituals to traditional combat techniques, the communities here have long taken pride in their prowess in hand-to-hand combat and physical endurance. It is no surprise then that this heritage continues to flourish among the state’s youth, who now channel their inherited skills into globally recognised disciplines like karate and taekwondo.

This legacy was on fire at the 7th All India Wado-Kai National Karate Championship held in Darjeeling, where the Arunachal Wado-Kai Association dominated the competition. Winning 17 medals—8 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze—the athletes showcased the meticulous training, discipline and resilience that are the hallmarks of their region’s martial culture. Leading the charge was John Dodum, who clinched a gold medal in Kumite and a silver medal in Kata, epitomizing the level of excellence that Arunachal Pradesh is becoming known for in the world of martial arts.

Arunachal’s rise as a martial arts powerhouse is not confined to just one sport. The 4th Cadet & Junior National Taekwondo Championships in Dehradun further highlighted the exceptional talent of the state’s youth. Kozam Wangsu’s triumph in the junior female below 55 kg category, where she bagged a gold medal, marks her as one of the rising stars in Indian taekwondo. Her victory is a testament not only to her talent but to the growing culture of support for taekwondo in the state, which continues to nurture young athletes with global aspirations.

Equally impressive were Demin Teri, who secured a silver in the cadet female individual Poomsae event, and Yura Yamin and Narend Jomoh, who brought home bronze medals in their respective categories. Their collective success at the national level reflects a broader trend in Arunachal Pradesh—an increasingly sophisticated sporting ecosystem that nurtures athletes across disciplines. It’s a testament to the relentless commitment of the athletes and the growing infrastructure that supports their endeavours.

The achievements of Arunachal’s youth in martial arts cannot be attributed solely to talent; they are a product of the region’s community-driven approach to sports. For generations, physical fitness and martial skills have been integral to life in the state’s tribal communities. Young people often develop a natural inclination towards physical discipline, which is channelled into their involvement in martial arts. The state's strong tribal identity, which places great emphasis on respect, community bonding and resilience, provides a nurturing environment for young athletes.

The role of sports associations, such as the Arunachal Taekwondo Association and the Wado-Kai Association, has been pivotal in formalizing this tradition. By providing professional coaching, organizing competitions and creating platforms for young athletes to showcase their talents, these organizations have created a seamless bridge between traditional training methods and modern sporting excellence. Their efforts are not just about producing athletes but about instilling values of perseverance, humility and teamwork—values that the youth of Arunachal Pradesh carry with them into every arena.

The future of martial arts in Arunachal Pradesh looks undeniably promising. With every passing year, the state continues to send more young athletes to national competitions, where they increasingly make their mark. The achievements of John Dodum, Kozam Wangsu, Demin Teri and others are just the beginning of what is likely to be a long and prosperous journey for the state in the world of martial arts. The success of these athletes is a reflection of a collective effort—of dedicated coaches, supportive families and a community that values the strength of its youth.

In the coming years, Arunachal Pradesh can only be expected to strengthen its position as a martial arts powerhouse in India. As government initiatives continue to support sports development and as young athletes from across the state rise to prominence, the region is transforming into a beacon of excellence in martial arts, where talent, discipline and tradition converge to create champions who will leave a lasting impact on the world stage.

A Journey of Excellence: Arunachal’s Youth Leading the Way with Sainik School East Siang

Nestled in the serene hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Sainik School East Siang stands as a symbol of discipline, academic excellence, and leadership. This institution transcends the traditional role of an academic school, acting as a transformative force that shapes the youth of the region into future leaders and soldiers, poised to contribute to the nation's defence and progress. The remarkable achievements of its students have transcended the school’s boundaries, offering a beacon of inspiration for the youth.

This year, Cadet Tenzin Tashi earned an impressive 96.6% in his Class 10 CBSE exams, a testament to both his personal dedication and the institution’s exceptional educational standards. Alongside him, Cadets NK Lobom, RK Yadav and Ayush Giri achieved perfect scores in Mathematics, setting an unparalleled benchmark for academic excellence at the school. These results speak volumes about the school’s unique educational philosophy, wherein rigorous academics merge seamlessly with leadership training and character-building. The school’s focus on holistic development — where students not only excel academically but also cultivate physical fitness and leadership skills — equips them for life both inside and outside the uniform. It instils qualities of resilience, discipline and purpose that transcend traditional education.

At the helm of this institution is the visionary leadership of Commander Praveen Kumar Pola, whose dedication has been pivotal in guiding the school to its current heights. His strategic focus on academic rigour, discipline and the holistic development of students has been the cornerstone of the school’s success. Recently, Commander Pola was honoured with the prestigious Rabindranath Tagore National Award for exemplary leadership. This recognition reflects the profound impact his leadership has had on the academic and personal growth of his students. It serves as a powerful source of inspiration, not only for the cadets but also for the youth of the region.

The academic excellence demonstrated by the cadets has ignited a wave of inspiration among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh, motivating many to pursue the prestigious All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE). Through a special coaching initiative launched by the Indian Army, children from remote villages such as Jang, Dirang, Sarli and Daporijo — areas traditionally underserved in terms of access to formal educational resources — have defied all odds. Thirty-eight students from these areas, including five young girls, have successfully cleared the AISSEE, marking a significant milestone for educational empowerment in the region.

The achievements of Sainik School East Siang and its students are more than mere academic triumphs. They are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of commitment, discipline and the right guidance. For those who have cleared the AISSEE, this marks the beginning of a profound journey towards academic brilliance, physical prowess and moral leadership. Their success underscores the message that no dream is too distant, no goal is too unattainable.

As these aspirants prepare to join Sainik School East Siang, they do so with the knowledge that they are stepping into an institution dedicated to cultivating tomorrow’s leaders. Under the guidance of Commander Pola, and with the unwavering support of the Indian Army, these students embark on a path that promises not only to impact their own lives but also to contribute meaningfully to the future of the nation. Sainik School East Siang stands as a living testament to the power of education, leadership and hard work — proving that with dedication and perseverance, excellence is not a distant dream but a reality waiting to be realized. The future for Arunachal’s youth is undeniably bright, and the journey to greatness begins at Sainik School East Siang.

Sati Baba: The Eternal Sentinel of Courage, Faith, and Unity in the Himalayas

A Sacrifice Etched Beyond Time and Terrain

In the mist-cloaked mountains of Tuting, Arunachal Pradesh, near the fragile Indo-China border, a story of courage and sacrifice quietly lives on. In July 2020, Sepoy Satinder Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry vanished while risking his life to save a fellow soldier, swept away by the raging currents of the Pikte Asi River. Despite weeks of desperate searches, his body was never found.

Yet, for those who knew him and those who guard these rugged borderlands, Satinder Singh never truly left. His memory lingers—not in grand monuments or official records alone, but in the silent prayers, whispered stories, and steady hearts of comrades and locals alike. In loss, his spirit grew stronger, becoming a beacon of courage and hope.

A Dream that Gave Birth to a Shrine

Nearly a year later, a former local porter who had been part of that patrol reached out with an extraordinary message. In a vivid dream, Satinder Singh appeared to him and said, “I am alive—watching over the borders and protecting the people of Tuting.” The porter pointed to a curve near Kodak Bridge, leading soldiers to create a memorial there—the mazar of Sati Baba.

This shrine, though named after an Islamic tradition, is more than religious symbolism. It is a shared sacred space born from the respect of many faiths and traditions. The land was given by an Adi tribesman who follows the Donyi Polo faith; the porter is Buddhist; the commanding officer belongs to the Maratha Light Infantry; and Satinder Singh was a Sikh. Their united tribute stands as a powerful reminder that sacrifice transcends all boundaries.

Whispers of Valour in the Mountain Silence

For the jawans who patrol these unforgiving mountains, the mazar is a place of solace and strength. It is where many stop before stepping into the unknown, leaving flowers or scarves, bowing their heads in silent communion with a brother-in-arms who watches over them still.

Sati Baba is more than a memorial—he is a guardian spirit whose unseen presence steady’s nerves, kindles courage, and reminds every soldier that they carry a legacy far greater than themselves. In the solitude of these peaks, his story is a source of quiet, unyielding strength.

A Family’s Journey, A Community’s Heart

On 23 May 2025, four years after his disappearance, Satinder Singh’s parents traveled from Punjab to this remote frontier. For years, they carried the weight of unanswered questions and incomplete goodbyes. As they ascended the winding mountain roads their son once patrolled, the distance between grief and peace slowly closed.

At the shrine, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and the watchful eyes of soldiers, their tears spoke what words could not. They did not come to say farewell, but to feel their son’s presence—to honour a boy who became a sentinel of these mountains.

The local community holds Sati Baba close to their hearts. His name is spoken with reverence at village gatherings; children learn of his bravery; fresh offerings mark festivals, a sign that he is not gone but watching—felt in every mountain breeze, every silent dawn, every brave step taken by those who guard this land.

In this quiet, distant frontier, where memory, faith and duty intertwine, the legend of Sati Baba endures—not as a story imposed, but as one deeply lived and loved. It is a timeless testament to sacrifice, unity, and the enduring human spirit that protects and inspires, long after the soldier has gone.