38th National Games and Kalaripayattu | 21 Jan 2025

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has accused the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) of downgrading the Kalaripayattu to the demonstration section of the event, not the competitive section.  

• Demonstration events showcase sports for promotion and are excluded from the official medal tally. 

What are Key Points about Kalaripayattu? 

• About: It is one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts globally, originating in Kerala. 
  • The warrior sage Parasurama is credited with establishing Kalaripayattu, which Bodhidharma (a Buddhist monk from South India) later introduced to China at the Shaolin Temple in the 5th century AD. 
• Philosophy: The term "Kalari" in Malayalam refers to a traditional gymnasium where "Payattu" (fight or exercise) is taught. 
  • It emphasizes mind-body coordination with techniques inspired by the attack and defense systems of eight animals i.e., elephant, lion, boar, horse, snake, rooster, cat, and fish. 
• Types: Kalaripayattu has two types i.e., 
  • Northern: It focuses on weapons and linear movements, and  
  • Southern: It emphasizes multi-directional movements with fewer weapons. 
• Stages of Training:  
  • Maippayattu: Body conditioning to prepare for combat. 
  • Kolthari: Training with wooden weapons like short and long sticks. 
  • Angathari: Introduction to sharp metal weapons after overcoming fear. 
  • Verumkai: Bare-hand fighting focusing on anatomy for strategic strikes. 
• Current Context: It was included as a competitive sport in the 37^th National Games, Goa but relegated to a demonstration sport in the 38^th National Games, Uttarakhand. 
  • Kalaripayattu athletes won 22 medals, including 19 gold, in the 2023 National Games. 

What are Key Points About National Games 2025? 

• About: The National Games of India is an Olympic-style multi-sport event where athletes from states and Union Territories compete for medals. 
  • The 38^th edition of the National Games will take place from 28^th January to 14^th February 2025 in Uttarakhand. 
• Competition Structure: The National Games will feature 32 sporting disciplines for competitive events. 
  • In addition, four demonstration sports will be included i.e., Kalaripayattu, Yogasana, Mallakhambh, and Rafting. 
• Theme and Tagline: The mascot of the games is Mouli, inspired by Uttarakhand's state bird, the Monal, reflecting the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity. 
  • The tagline for the games is "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (from resolution to zenith).