Silambam Silambam is a weapon-based Indian martial art originating in Tamil Nadu incorporating both offensive and defensive techniques. Though many weapons are used, the main focus is on the bamboo staff. It has existed since the
Sangam Literature Era. It is the oldest martial arts practice from South India. The
World Silambam Association is the official international body for the sport.
Kabaddi Kabaddi is the state sport of Tamil Nadu. The word "kabaddi" is derived from the
Tamil word "kai-pudi"(கைபிடி) meaning "to hold hands". It is also known as
sadu-gudu. The contact sport's origins can be traced back to about 4000 years ago during the
Mahabharata period. Buddhist literature has also cited Lord Buddha playing kabaddi as a recreational sport. Kabaddi is played as a warm up prior to the traditional sport
Jallikattu. It is known by different names in different places such as
the Maldives where it is known as "baibalaa",
Punjab where is it called "kauddi", and
Bengal where it is called "hadudu". Some other states like Punjab,
Andhra Pradesh, and
Telangana also recognize kabaddi as their state sport. The essence of this game is for the defending team to hold onto the raiding team in their pitch. Though there are slight variations in the game played in different places, the basic rules are the same. India introduced this sport on a world platform during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. It was popularized in Japan in 1979, Bangladesh in 1973 and Iran in 1996. It is the National Sport of Bangladesh and one of the national sports of Nepal. Kabaddi is often called the 'game of the masses' as it holds a lot of public appeal due to its simplicity and games are watched with a great deal of gusto and raucous cheering. So far, India has been indomitable at all the international kabaddi tournaments and with seven World Cup titles and numerous Asian Games gold medals, the Indian men's team is at the pinnacle of success. In Tamil Nadu, kabaddi is more than just a game; it's a sport that's ingrained into the minds right from childhood when all that's required is an open ground, a few friends and the enthusiasm for the game, muttering 'kabaddi, kabaddi' as they maneuver through the opponents team. Stamina and agility are two key strengths that are needed for this game and Tamil Nadu has done the country proud by producing many players who have been part of the winning national team.
Seval Sandai Seval Sandai or Seval Porr (cockfighting) is a popular rural sport in Tamil Nadu. Three or four-inch blades are attached to the cocks' feet and the winner is decided after three or four rounds of no holds barred fighting. The sport involves major gambling in recent times. Cockfighting in Tamil Nadu is mentioned in ancient literature like Manu Needhi Sastiram, Kattu Seval Sastiram and other Sangam literature. It is referred to as the favorite pastime for the warriors of Tamil country and is acknowledged as one amongst the 64 great arts. It is now widely played in North America and Asia.
Jallikattu Jallikattu is a popular bull taming sport practiced particularly during
Pongal festival. Jallikattu was a popular sport since the Sangam period and Tamil classical period. Jallikattu (or sallikkattu), also known as eru thazhuvuthal and manju virattu, is a traditional spectacle in which a bull, such as the Pulikulam or Kangayam breeds, is released into a crowd of people, and participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull's back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape. Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull's horns].
Sathurangam Chess is believed to have originated in
India, c. 280 – 550 CE, where its early form in Tamil Nadu was known as
Sathurangam literally
four divisions [of the military] –
infantry,
cavalry,
elephants, and
chariots, represented by the pieces that would evolve into the modern pawn, knight, bishop, and rook, respectively. During the Sangam period chess was called Vallattam. Many chess pieces have been found during excavations in Tamil Nadu. Modern day chess is a widely popular game in the state and
Tamil Nadu State Chess Association is the apex body for the game of chess in Tamil Nadu. The state has produced many grandmasters including
Viswanathan Anand, one of the greatest and most versatile players of the modern era having won the World Chess Championship five times from 2002 to 2013. Other notable players include
R Praggnanandhaa,
Gukesh D,
S. Vijayalakshmi,
P. V. Nandhidhaa,
Aravindh Chithambaram,
R Vaishali and
Krishnan Sasikiran.
Malyutham Malyutham is a traditional
Indian art of full contact
grappling that originated in
Tamil Nadu. It was widely practiced in
Tamil Nadu since ancient times as a sport.
Malyutham is one of the 64 Arts mentioned in Ancient Literature.
Malyutham is one of the Traditional Sports practiced in
Tamil Nadu. There is another Art named Malla - Yuddha coming from North India. Although the names are similar, Malla-Yuddha and
Malyutham are two different and very distinct
Arts. They are different in the nature of the techniques studied and in their external aspects as well.
Gusthi Gusthi is a Traditional Sports Activity, which is practiced in Punjab since time immemorial. Gusthi is also known as Kai Kuthu Sandai.
Gusthi is a form of Traditional
Boxing, which is slightly deviated from
wrestling.
Gusthi of
Tamil Nadu is a derivative of
Malyutham of
Tamil Nadu.
Gusthi also includes
Grapplings as well. There is another art coming from North India named Kushti. Although the names are almost same, Gusthi and Kushti are two different and two distinct arts.
Gusthi is an art of
Boxing, while Kusthi is an art of
wrestling. They are different in the nature of the techniques studied and in their external aspects as well.
Killithattu Killithattu is a game that requires quick reflexes, tactical thinking and tremendous team effort. The sport is part of Tamil heritage and preserves Tamil identity. The 'kili' or last player must stand on the centre of the first lane when the game starts. The 'kili' player can move anywhere around the court or through the middle of the court but not horizontally. The team that is guarding the base and capturing it is chosen by a coin toss. The game is started by a whistle sound by the overseeing referee. When the game starts, each of the other members can only move sideways/horizontally. This accounts for the rest of the 5 members of the team for a total of 6 including 'kili'.
Kho-kho Kho kho is a
tag sport played by teams of twelve players who try to avoid being touched by members of the opposing team, only 9 players of the team enter the field. It is one of the two most popular traditional tag games played in schools, the other being
kabbadi.
Uriyadi Uriyadi involves smashing a small earthen pot with a long stick usually with a cloth wrapped around the eyes to prevent the participants from seeing the pot.
Seven-Stones Seven stones It is a traditional game in India as well as in
Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient game which is also called as
Lagori. It has things similar to
dodge ball but it has extra features than the dodge ball. They use seven stones that can be piled on top of each other and has a minimum of 2-6 player in a team.
Other traditional sports Other minor sports include Ilavatta kal where participants lift huge spherical rocks,
Gilli-danda played with two pieces of sticks, Nondi played by folding one leg and hopping squares. Some of the indoor games include
Pallanguzhi involving beads,
Bambaram involving spinning of top,
Dhayakattai which is a modified dice game,
Aadu puli attam, Nungu vandi and Seechangal. ==Modern sports==