Ministry of Sports Recognizes Kalarippayattu Federation of India

KALARIPPAYATTU

Source: pib

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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:

Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from the Indian state of Kerala.
The practice of Kalarippayattu includes physical training, armed and unarmed combat, and healing techniques such as Ayurveda and Kalari Marma therapy.
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)