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KALARIPPAYATTU

24th July, 2024

KALARIPPAYATTU

Source: pib

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports recognizes Kalarippayattu Federation of India for promotion of Kalarippayattu in country.

Details

  • Inclusion of any sport discipline in the Olympic Games is decided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  • IOC has prescribed that a sport discipline must be governed by an International Federation which undertakes to follow the rules of the Olympic Charter, and the sport must also be practised widely across the world and meet various criteria.
  • Sport, being a State subject, it is responsibility of State Government / UT Administrations for creation of Sports infrastructure for various Sports.
  • The responsibility for promotion of specific sports at international level is that of the concerned international sports bodies regulating that sport discipline.

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Martial art forms in India

Kalarippayattu

History

  • Kalarippayattu is an ancient martial art that originated in Kerala, India.
  • Its exact origins are debated, with estimates ranging from 200 BCE to 600 CE.
  • Mythologically, it is believed to have been introduced by the warrior sage Parasurama.
  • Historically, it gained prominence between the 14th and 16th centuries.
  • It was traditionally practiced in village arenas called Kalaris, which were often associated with Devi temples and overseen by a master known as Gurukkal or Kuruppu​.

Styles and Techniques

  • Kalarippayattu is divided into two main styles: the Northern style (Vadakkan) and the Southern style (Tekken or Adi Murai).
  • The Northern style focuses on graceful body movements and the use of weapons, while the Southern style emphasizes hand-to-hand combat and striking vital points (Marmas).
  • Training in Kalarippayattu is categorized into four stages:
  • Maithari (Body Control Workouts): These exercises enhance body flexibility, quick reflexes, and overall physical fitness.
  • Kolthari (Wooden Weapons Training): This involves practice with wooden weapons like staffs and sticks.
  • Ankathari (Metal Weapons Training): Trainees learn to use metal weapons such as swords, daggers, and spears.
  • Verumkai (Bare-Handed Techniques): This stage focuses on unarmed combat techniques​​.
  • Students also learn Kalari Chikitsa, a traditional form of medicine that involves the treatment of injuries and ailments through knowledge of vital points (Marmas)​.

Key Elements

  • Physical Conditioning: Emphasis on flexibility, stamina, and reflexes through structured exercises and oil massages.
  • Weapon Training: Use of wooden and metal weapons, progressing from basic to advanced techniques.
  • Unarmed Combat: Techniques for self-defense and attacking vital points.
  • Traditional Medicine: Kalari Chikitsa for treating injuries and improving health through Marma therapy​​.

Recognized National Sports Federations in India

No.

Federation

Sport

Date of Establishment

1

All India Football Federation

Football

1937

2

Athletics Federation of India

Athletics

1946

3

Badminton Association of India

Badminton

1934

4

All India Tennis Association

Tennis

1920

5

Archery Association of India

Archery

1973

6

Boxing Federation of India

Boxing

1949

7

Cycling Federation of India

Cycling

1946

8

Hockey India

Hockey

2009

9

National Rifle Association of India

Shooting

1951

10

Indian Weightlifting Federation

Weightlifting

1935

11

Swimming Federation of India

Swimming

1948

12

Wrestling Federation of India

Wrestling

1958

13

Table Tennis Federation of India

Table Tennis

1926

14

Volleyball Federation of India

Volleyball

1951

15

Indian Golf Union

Golf

1955

16

Equestrian Federation of India

Equestrian

1967

17

Rowing Federation of India

Rowing

1976

18

Squash Rackets Federation of India

Squash

1954

19

All India Chess Federation

Chess

1951

20

Indian Olympic Association

Multi-sport

1927

21

Billiards and Snooker Federation of India

Cue Sports

1926

22

Basketball Federation of India

Basketball

1950

23

Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India

Kabaddi

1950

24

Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India

Tennis Ball Cricket

Not Available

25

Sepaktakraw Federation of India

Sepaktakraw

1988

26

Tug-of-War Federation of India

Tug-of-War

1983

27

Wushu Association of India

Wushu

1989

28

Indian Polo Association

Polo

1892

29

Yachting Association of India

Sailing

1960

30

Roller Skating Federation of India

Roller Skating

1955

International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Charter

Category

Details

Name

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Establishment

Founded on June 23, 1894, in Paris, France.

Headquarters

Lausanne, Switzerland

Role and Function

The IOC is responsible for organizing the Olympic Games and promoting the Olympic Movement globally. It oversees the implementation of the Olympic Charter and ensures that the principles of Olympism are upheld. The IOC also supports clean athletes and promotes sports integrity and fair play.

Membership

Comprised of up to 115 individual members, including athletes, international sports federations, and National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

Key Components of Olympic Charter

oFundamental Principles of Olympism: Promote a philosophy of life that combines sport with culture and education, emphasizing effort, good example, and respect for universal ethical principles.

oMission and Role of the IOC: Safeguard the regular celebration of the Olympic Games, promote Olympism, and ensure ethical conduct within the Olympic Movement.

oNational Olympic Committees (NOCs): Responsible for developing, promoting, and protecting the Olympic Movement in their respective countries. They select athletes to represent their countries in the Olympic Games.

oOlympic Games: The guidelines for the celebration of the Games, including the selection of host cities, eligibility criteria, and protocols for ceremonies.

oMeasures and Sanctions: Disciplinary procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms to maintain the integrity of the Olympic Movement.

Olympic Symbols

The Olympic Rings, which represent the five continents, and the Olympic Flame are key symbols of the Olympic Games. The rings symbolize the universality of the Olympic Movement.

Recent Developments

The Olympic Charter undergoes regular updates to reflect changing social and ethical standards. Recent changes include increased flexibility for opening ceremony venues and stricter measures against discrimination.

Notable Events

The IOC organizes the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, and supports various initiatives like Olympic Solidarity, which provides assistance to athletes and NOCs worldwide.

Sources:

pib

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following statements regarding Kalarippayattu:

  1. Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from the Indian state of Kerala.
  2. The practice of Kalarippayattu includes physical training, armed and unarmed combat, and healing techniques such as Ayurveda and Kalari Marma therapy.
  3. Kalarippayattu has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a)