Srinagar, May 12: Chasing redemption, the Jammu and Kashmir Kalarippayattu team is eyeing a strong comeback at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 in Bihar, determined to end a medal drought that has lasted since 2021.
As per a release issued on Monday, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kalarippayattu team showed great character in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar, ready to make a mark in the Kalarippayattu competition that kicked off at IIM Campus here on Sunday.
The eight-member team (Manvi Sharma, Aapurti Saini, Mishti Sharma, Anandika, Adarishta Manhas, Pratham Vaid, Nitin Kumar and Chirag Puri), guided by coach Danish, has been camping in Gaya for the past few days with one goal in mind – break the drought of Khelo India Youth Games medals dating back to 2021.
“We had won boys High Kick gold in 2021 when Kalarippayattu was included in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. Yes, it’s been a dry spell for us since then, but this time, we are confident and hoping to go home with at least 4-5 medals,” coach Danish said as the team prepared to demonstrate its skills in a martial art that has its roots in Kerala.
Jammu and Kashmir has been known to embrace martial arts from far and near. It is known to propagate Thang-Ta, an ancient Manipuri martial art. Kalaripayattu found its way to Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, and it did not take long for the medals to come along. Its artists won silver in the National Championship that year itself.
The Jammu and Kashmir contingent has also praised the organisation of the event. Manvi, Aapurti, Mishti, Anandika, Adarishta and Pratham are competing in the KIYG for the first time. Manvi said she couldn’t believe her eyes upon arriving on the IIM campus for the event. “Everything is just fabulous, from accommodation to food and transport whenever we needed it,” she said.
Despite the enthusiastic and hopeful squad, Jammu and Kashmir Kalarippayattu has some distance to travel. The State Association was formed in 2017 and is awaiting recognition by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council. The athletes are aware that a good showing here will help the sport immensely.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, which help our travel and participation in the Khelo India events.
The competition in Kalarippayattu, one of the five indigenous sports at the KIYG, runs from May 11 to 13.
Khelo India Youth Games are part of the Khelo India programme that was launched on October 14, 2017. Khelo India aims to achieve the twin objective of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports. The programme has contributed immensely to India’s sporting success, with several Khelo India athletes representing the nation at global events, including the Olympics and the Asian Games. Bihar is hosting the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games from May 4-15 in five different cities of the state and Delhi. KIYG 2025 will feature 27 sports, and for the first time, esports has been included as a demonstration sport.
