What are the silambam weapon events?
I · Intermediate · Displays · 4 of 4There are five display events: Erattai Kambu Veechu (double stick), Vel Kambu Veechu (spear), Vall Veechu (sword), Surul Vall Veechu (steel whip) and Otrai Kambu Veechu (single stick). Each lasts two minutes and is marked on style, speed, skill, variety and power or discipline, worth a fifth each. A fallen stick may be picked up twice.
How it works
- Double stick: Erattai Kambu Veechu.
- Spear: Vel Kambu Veechu.
- Sword: Vall Veechu.
- Steel whip: Surul Vall Veechu.
- Single stick: Otrai Kambu Veechu.
- Time: two minutes.
- Marks: five areas, 20 per cent each.
- Dropped stick: picked up twice.
The glossary has the artistic weapon events, the Thanithiramai, the veechu, the display scoring (weapon events), the display deductions and the salavarisai.
Tricky cases
A stick is caught before it hits the floor. A fall?
No.
How many states can enter one event?
Each state sends one player per age group.
Does stepping out of the court cost marks?
Yes, one mark each time; the fourth time disqualifies.
What does the WSA call display events?
Tani Tiramay, done alone, in pairs or in groups.
Why the rule exists
Equal weight on five areas stops a display winning on speed alone.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| School games | Five weapons | L S 3 |
| Fallen stick | Twice allowed | L S 6 |
| WSA | Patterns, alone or group | L W 17.1 |
From the rule book
SGFI Silambam Rules and WSA Silambam Sports Rules: SGFI chapters 3, 5 and 6; WSA article 17.1. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: SGFI Silambam Rules; WSA Silambam Sports Rules (web page).