The Uttar Pradesh Kalaripayattu Association has taken a significant step to support its athletes ahead of a major national event. Association president Neeraj Singh recently distributed kits to the state's players who have been selected to compete in the inaugural Kalaripayattu National League Championship.
Intensive Preparations at Budheshwar Camp
To ensure the squad is in peak condition, the association organized a special training camp prior to the kit distribution. This camp ran from January 2 to January 8 at the IBSA Sports Academy in Budheshwar. The selected athletes who underwent this rigorous preparation include Divyanshi Chaurasia, Shivani Rawat, Nikhil Rawat, Lucky Singh Gautam, and Mohammad Hanan from Lucknow, along with Khushboo and Unnati from Saharanpur.
State general secretary Praveen Garg emphasized that the camp was crucial for honing the skills of these players. The initiative underscores the association's commitment to providing the necessary resources for its talent to shine on a national platform.
A National Stage for a Traditional Art Form
The First Kalaripayattu National League Championship is a landmark event for the ancient Indian martial art. It is scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, from January 16 to January 18. The primary aim of the league is to promote and popularize Kalaripayattu across the country, giving it a structured competitive format similar to other major sports.
Ambu R Nair, the general secretary of the Kalaripayattu Federation of India, provided details about the championship venue. The events will take place at the SAI Centre, LNCPE, in Thiruvananthapuram. The tournament will be officially inaugurated on January 17 by Union Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, adding significant prestige to the occasion.
Boosting Morale and Prospects
The distribution of kits by President Neeraj Singh was more than a logistical act; it was a gesture of encouragement. By providing equipment and wishing the players success, the association leadership has boosted the team's morale as they prepare to represent Uttar Pradesh.
This concerted effort from the state body highlights the growing institutional support for indigenous sports. The players, now better equipped and trained, are set to embark on their journey to Kerala, carrying the hopes of promoting Uttar Pradesh's presence in the traditional martial arts scene of India.
