Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from Kerala, has been an essential part of India’s traditional sports landscape. Originally a demonstration sport in the 35th National Games (2015), it was elevated to the competition section in the 37th National Games (2023). However, in a surprising shift, Kalaripayattu has been excluded from the competition section in the 38th National Games, raising concerns among its practitioners and enthusiasts. The decision to demote this ancient martial art back to a demonstration event in the upcoming games has sparked significant debate. This change reflects ongoing shifts in the structure and inclusion of traditional sports in modern national competitions.
About Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art system that was formed more than 3000 years ago in Kerala, India in the 11th-12th century CE. The system of fighting is a merger of speed, martial arts, weapons, defense, and spiritual exercise.
Key terms associated with Kalaripayattu include
Meythari: Posture that depicts certain animals like lions, snakes, and peacocks.
Kolthari: Wooden weapons such as a stick.
Ankathari: A sword used as a weapon and a shield.
Verum Kai: Bare-hand combat.
Inclusion and Demotion in National Games
Kalaripayattu was inaugurated as a demonstrative sport in the recently held 35th National Games during the year 2015.
It was upgraded to the competition section in the 37th edition held in Goa in 2023.
In the 38th National Games, Kalaripayattu has been downgraded to the demonstration part from the competition part, although this decision has raised concerns in many circles and by many of the Kalaripayattu practitioners.
Key Points of the 38th National Games of India
Event Dates: The 38th National Games is scheduled to commence on January 28 and end on February 14 in the Uttarakhand state. This event is expected to host more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, and officials patronizing from different regions of India.
Mascot: The state animal for the event is called Mauli which has been inspired by the Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. The mascot represents the region’s culture and diversity, offers opportunities to showcase talents, and encourages youthful performers to work hard.
Tagline: The official slogan of the organization is “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” which translates into “From Resolve to Zenith” and is used to promote the edifice of commitment, and striving for the best. It is used as a motivating slogan when athletes are performing in the Games.
Sports Disciplines: There will be 38 events, 30 of which will be regular Olympic games accompanied by such traditional Indian disciplines as yoga and mallakhamb. These primitive activities exist in harmony with the affirmative cultural image of Uttarakhand and with modernity that needs to be wedded to Indian roots.
Torch Lighting Ceremony: The torch for the National Games was ignited and will be taken all over the state signifying the coming together for unity and sportsmanship. The torch relighting process is planned to create a sports culture among the people and to encourage youth in sporting activities.
National Games of India
Origins and Development:
The National Games of India owe their existence to the Olympic movement which started in India around the 1920s. Originally, its primary purpose was to select the national icons for the Olympic Games,
the first Indian Olympic Games were organized in Lahore, Punjab in 1924 before independence.
The post-independence National Games were held in Lucknow
Now the 1st Olympic style National Games were conducted in New Delhi in the year 1985.
Jurisdiction and Oversight:
International Olympic Association (IOA) is solely responsible for the National Games and all connected issues including their length and rules.
Importance and Impact:
The National Games is also an excellent opportunity for young athletes as it offers them an opportunity to participate in multiple disciplines, which will assist in shaping them. They are also used to recruit raw talent and to provide an opportunity for state athletes to compete at the national level. The Games certainly help in the overall growth of India through sports, and help those athletes who want to go further in other tournaments.
Conclusion
Kalaripayattu’s exclusion from the competition section of the 38th National Games only incites more curiosity more so when it has been listed under the competition event in 2023. This transition seems to be a course of change in the structure and functioning of the National Games and treatment of conventional sports, in shifting consideration of Kalaripayattu as a part of the Indian sporting fabric.
