What are the kalaripayattu competition events?
B · Beginner · School games events · 1 of 1Kalaripayattu is a martial art from Kerala. At the national school games it has three events for boys and girls under 17 and under 19: Chuvadukal, the basic steps; Meyppayattu, body exercises; and Neduvadippayattu, a long-staff fight for pairs. Each must follow the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation syllabus. Judges mark what they see; the rule book sets no point values.
How it works
- Events: three.
- Chuvadukal: individual.
- Meyppayattu: individual.
- Neduvadippayattu: pairs.
- Age groups: under 17 and under 19.
- Boys and girls: both.
- Syllabus: IKF.
- Point values: not stated.
The glossary has the kalaripayattu, the Indian Kalaripayattu Federation, the competition events, the kalari, the verumkai and the kolthari.
Tricky cases
Is there free sparring?
No. The staff fight follows set movements.
Is there an under 14 group?
Not in the 2025-26 school games.
Are sword or bare-hand events held?
No. The three events are steps, body exercises and the long staff.
Where is kalaripayattu practised?
In a kalari, the training hall.
Why the rule exists
Tying every event to one syllabus means judges in any state are marking the same sequences.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | Three events | L K E |
| Under 19 | Three events | L K E |
| Syllabus | IKF | L K 1 |
From the rule book
SGFI, Kalarippayattu Events Rule Book for 69th National School Games 2025-26, event table and events 1 to 3. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: SGFI Kalarippayattu Events Rule Book 2025-26 (scanned).