Context: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to exclude Kalaripayattu from the ‘competition section’ of the 38th edition of the National Games.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Questions based on art and culture; National Games and Indian Olympic Association.
About Kalaripayattu
- Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, originating over 3,000 years ago in the state of Kerala, India, during the 11th–12th century CE.
- It is a combination of physical agility, weapon training, self-defence and spiritual discipline.
- Terms associated:
- Meythari: Body control and posturing resembling animals like lions, snakes and peacocks.
- Kolthari: Wooden weapon like stick
- Ankathari: Metal weapons like sword and shield.
- Verum Kai: Bare-hand combat.
- It was included as a demonstrative sport in 2015 National games i.e., 35th edition of National Games.
- In the 37th edition of the National Games, held in Goa in 2023, Kalaripayattu was part of the competition section.
- In the 38th edition of National Games, the sport has been demoted to the ‘demonstration section’ from the competition section.
National games:
- The National Games of India is a multi-sport event that is held to promote India and bring together various athletes from various states.
- Indian Olympic Association is the primary organising body for the national games.
- The 38th edition of National Games in 2025 will be hosted by Uttarakhand, set to begin from January 28, 2025.