The first Dutch Open Championships, hosted by the Netherlands Pencak Silat Federation (NPSF), was held in Roermond at the Herteym Sports Hall on 27 and 28 August 2016. Some 70 competitors took part from six countries — Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Kingdom — competing in Tanding and Seni categories, with three athletes from the UK in the Tanding competitions.
The Opening Ceremony was attended by the Ambassadors to the Netherlands from Malaysia (H.E. Dato' Ahmad Nazri Yusof) and from Indonesia (H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja), following a speech by the Secretary General of the NPSF, Robert Brandt.
Competition Report
Racan Osman was up against Jair Verwey of the Netherlands in Male Class C and beat his opponent with a unanimous decision. Later that day, Djibrill Aoudou in the Open Weight category fought Roman Kobialka of Silat Lincah and beat his opponent with multiple takedowns and relentless point scoring.
Racan had a second fight against Abdeljalil Bel-Elkatib of the Netherlands, winning with a comfortable margin. In the Female category, Amrisha Uriep — in her first international fight — was pitched against Lisa Maartens of the Netherlands. She managed to take down her opponent several times, but the experienced Dutch pesilat also took Amrisha down and eventually won on points.
On the second day, Racan faced Malaysia's Mohd Zarish Hakim in the Final of Male Class C. Racan's scissors technique managed to take down his opponent, but he was also taken down in return. By the start of the third round, Hakim was up on points and went on to win the match — Racan earned Silver for the UK.
Djibrill progressed through the tournament and won Gold in the Open category — a brilliant result in what was his first major international championship win. The cup for the best team was won by Malaysia.
