Kalaripayattu Controversy: A Traditional Martial Art Faces Uncertainty

A Traditional Art in Trouble

Kalaripayattu Controversy: A Traditional Martial Art Faces Uncertainty : As the 38th National Games draw near, Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, finds itself at the center of a national controversy. The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has strongly opposed the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) decision to shift Kalaripayattu from a competitive sport to a demonstration-only event. This last-minute change has disappointed athletes and triggered public debate on the neglect of traditional sports in modern competitive arenas.

The Legacy of Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is widely believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world, dating back to the 11th–12th century CE. Its name is derived from “kalari” (training ground) and “payattu” (combat practice). Originating in Kerala, the art form combines physical training, self-defense, weaponry, and even medicinal techniques. Historically, Kalaripayattu played a vital role in the military training of warriors during Kerala’s feudal period and is seen as a symbol of discipline and honor.

The IOA’s Decision and Its Impact

In December 2024, the IOA announced that Kalaripayattu would no longer be a medal sport, and instead would feature only as a demonstration. This affects nearly 200 athletes from 18 states, who had trained with the hope of competing. The move sparked backlash, with practitioners stating that it undermines the art’s legitimacy and the years of preparation that went into the games. Many see this as part of a broader trend of marginalizing indigenous sports in favor of global disciplines.

Judicial Intervention Offers Hope

On January 15, 2025, the Delhi High Court intervened, ordering a review of the IOA’s decision. The court’s direction brings renewed hope to the Kalaripayattu community, offering a possibility of restoring its competitive status. The court emphasized the need for fair representation of traditional Indian sports, especially when they carry such deep cultural and historical roots.

Revival After Colonial Decline

Kalaripayattu faced decline during colonial times, when the British discouraged native martial traditions. However, a 20th-century revival—led by passionate gurukkals (masters)—brought it back into public life. Today, Kalaripayattu is practiced widely in Kerala, with many schools and cultural organizations promoting it both as a sport and performing art.

Techniques, Philosophy, and Practice

Training in Kalaripayattu goes beyond physical combat. It includes body flexibility, breathing control, healing methods, and weapon mastery. Students begin by learning unarmed techniques before progressing to sticks, swords, spears, and shields. The art also teaches marma therapy—the knowledge of vital pressure points used for healing or combat. The guru-shishya tradition fosters discipline, humility, and deep respect between teacher and student.

Global Reach and Institutional Support

In recent years, Kalaripayattu has found global appreciation, often incorporated into dance, theatre, and cinema. The establishment of the Kalaripayattu Academy in Kerala is a significant step toward institutionalizing training and preservation. With rising interest from countries like France, the UK, and Japan, Kalaripayattu stands poised for international growth—if supported domestically.

A Symbol Worth Protecting

Kalaripayattu is not just a sport—it is India’s martial heritage, a living testament to discipline, tradition, and identity. The decision to downgrade its competitive status in the National Games has sparked a much-needed national dialogue on cultural preservation in sports. As legal and public voices rally for its reinstatement, Kalaripayattu’s defenders hope this crisis will become a turning point—securing its rightful place on India’s sporting stage and inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage.

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Kalaripayattu Controversy: A Traditional Martial Art Faces Uncertainty :

Topic	Fact
Origin	Kerala, 11th–12th century CE
Training Components	Physical combat, weapons, healing, flexibility
Cultural Significance	Integral to Kerala’s martial and spiritual traditions
Major Court Intervention	Delhi High Court, January 2025 – review of IOA decision
Related Institution	Kalaripayattu Academy, Kerala

Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, was removed as a medal sport from the 38th National Games 2025.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reclassified Kalaripayattu as a demonstration-only event in December 2024.
The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation opposed the decision, calling it a disrespect to traditional Indian sports.
Nearly 200 athletes from 18 states were affected by the IOA’s last-minute change.
Kalaripayattu is believed to have originated in the 11th–12th century CE in Kerala.
The term ‘Kalaripayattu’ comes from “Kalari” (training ground) and “Payattu” (combat practice).
The martial art includes weapon training, physical flexibility, and healing methods like Marma therapy.
On January 15, 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered a review of the IOA’s decision.
The court emphasized the importance of fair representation for traditional Indian sports.
Kalaripayattu faced decline during the British colonial period, but was revived in the 20th century.
The revival was led by gurukkals (traditional masters) who brought it back into public training spaces.
Students of Kalaripayattu first learn unarmed combat, followed by training in sticks, swords, and shields.
Marma therapy, a unique healing and combat method, is part of Kalaripayattu’s traditional knowledge.
The Guru–Shishya tradition promotes discipline, humility, and respect in training.
The Kalaripayattu Academy in Kerala was established to institutionalize and preserve the martial art.
Kalaripayattu has gained global recognition and is used in dance, cinema, and theatre
Countries like France, Japan, and the UK have shown interest in Kalaripayattu training.
Supporters argue that removing Kalaripayattu undermines India’s cultural and martial heritage.
The controversy sparked a national debate on protecting indigenous sports in competitive arenas.
Kalaripayattu is seen not just as a sport, but as India’s martial identity and cultural pride.