Even as 37th National Games came to a colorful end at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda, the Goan contingent had already made a gold rush in number of sports in the last couple of days during the competition. Still there were enough fans to watch the flexible bodied Yoga Asana participants, Judo and Kalaripayattu contestants who showed their talent at the slush surrounded hangers at the Campal ground, courtesy heavy downpour overnight.
After the Gatka players in their typical attire and blue turban delighted the Goan fans earlier with their traditional Punjabi martial art during the games, it was the turn of another ethnic sport Kalaripayattu, a martial art from Kerala that speaks volume about the agility, ability, skills and reflexes, which was well received at the Games. There was action with sticks, swords and shields, individual exercises and combats. With all the gold medals going to the Kerala team on day one of the event, they were all favorites every time their player took to the floor. With other states participating with enough flare, their turf was always likely to be breached, and that was exactly what happened finally in the High Kick event.
While the Assam team made a mark winning multiple medals, the Madhya Pradesh’s Kalaripayattu team had a modest success winning silver and team bronze, till the time Gourav Dangi hogged the limelight as contestants took to the floor for the High Kick event.
There was excitement as their teammates and spectators cheered as the height of the hanging ball rose higher and higher as the competitors tried their attempt to kick the ball leaping high in the air.
They managed to kick successfully or missed by a whisker, but what were striking and many a times painful for the contestants was when they landed on the matt with a bang.
Kalaripayattu player Abhay from Kerala who drew strong cheers from the spectators for his attractive rhythmic style had cleared the height to reach 9.3 feet with his jump. It was at this moment when everyone thought the gold medal was already decided, but Gourav Dangi had different ideas as he leapt higher to reach 9.6 feet to claim a gold as his teammate applauded in celebrations.
A cheerful Gaurav said, “There is every chance of getting injured while falling, but we train for at least four hours a day to master the flying kick.” His teammate Harshita Shukla won a silver medal in the same event for women who had also teamed up with Priyanshi Jaswal to clinch a bronze medal for her state in sword and shield category.
Speaking about the sport that originated in Kerala which is gaining quite a popularity, a coaching member of the Uttar Pradesh team Haridas Rai said, “The game has a very good following now-a-day across the country and the competition has become tougher as more players are taking to this martial art though it is a very difficult sport. Silambam, Tamil martial art and Muay Thai, Thai boxing are also finding good following in India by young sportspersons in recent times.”
Though Kalaripayattu is a high risk martial art, the introduction of this sport has brought in new attraction to this ancient skill of attack and defense. With the success of organizing these games in the state with all its high points and limitations if any, these games will surely herald in new enthusiasm amongst the youngster in Goa, which many people acknowledged.
