ERODE: With the inclusion of silambam, an ancient martial art of Tamil Nadu, in school games from this year, the district has witnessed a rise in the number of students joining to learn the art form.
This was evident during the district-level silambam competition arranged in connection with the valedictory of former Chief Minister Anna’s 100th birth anniversary at Erode VOC stadium, in which over 100 school students participated.
“Though we have seen silambam fights in many films and were interested in learning the art, it is now that we got a chance, as silambam was introduced in our school this year,” said Anitha and Kokila, Class XI students.
“It teaches self-defense so, many girls are also showing interest in learning the art form,” say students Umamaheswari and R Sonia.
According to Erode Silambam Association president Bullet Karuna and secretary S Kannadasan, the game was already popular among the people. At present, over 500 students from 10 schools in the district are learning silambam, they said.
According to silambam master Sivaraman, just like other games, safety kits such as head mask, elbow, kidney pads, gloves are needed to play silambam. “So, we want the government to provide such kits to schools to further help students,” he added.