The Ministry of Sports recently approved the inclusion of four indigenous Games to be a part of Khelo India Youth Games 2021, scheduled to take place in Haryana. The games include, Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta and Mallakhamba. Let’s know about the four games in details.
Gatka: Gatka is a popular card game played in India. It is a traditional martial art form originated from Punjab. It is associated with the Nihang Sikh Warriors and is used both as self-defense as well as a sport.
Kalaripayattu: Kalaripayattu game is one of the very popular games played all over India. It is also known as Kalari is an Indian martial art that originated in Kerala. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.
Thang-Ta: It also known as Huyen Lallong is a martial art form of Manipur and has been practised by the Meiteis. It is dedicated to fighting skill and worship.
Mallakhamba: It is a traditional sport from Indian subcontinent and has been well-known in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.It involves gymnasts performing aerial yoga or gymnastic postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope.
Khelo India Initiative is a national programme which aims to develop grassroots level talent by providing them with a national level platform. Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2021, are scheduled to take place in Haryana. The Khelo India Scheme aims to encourage sports all over the country, thus allowing the population to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely holistic development of children & youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development. Under the Scheme, talented players identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels are provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.
