J-K team, staying strong, hoped for podium finishes in KIYG Kalarippayattu competition

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 - to 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 to Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 and it did not 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 at 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 May 13.