Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu February 19, 2026: The 8th J&K UT Kalarippayattu Championship concluded successfully at the JKSC Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar, with around 200 athletes representing 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir participating in the prestigious event.
The championship was organised by the Kalarippayattu Association of Jammu and Kashmir to promote the ancient Indian martial art of Kalaripayattu, which is widely regarded as one of the oldest martial arts traditions in the world and originated in Kerala.
Prominent sports promoter Rajeev Sharma graced the valedictory function as the chief guest. He lauded the organisers for their dedicated efforts in promoting indigenous martial arts and encouraging youth participation across the Union Territory.
Parshurama Kalari Students Excel
Students of Parshurama Kalari delivered an outstanding performance in the 2025 and 2026 editions of the championship, winning multiple medals across various categories.
In the Chuvadukul Boys category, Himanshu, Rajveer and Shivohm secured gold medals, while Akshit Thakur, Kirti and Laksh claimed silver medals. Aarav, Ashmit and Rey Ansh Rathore won bronze medals.
In Chuvadukul Girls, Simrithi, Siya Bhandari and Sreesha bagged gold medals, Aradhya secured silver, and Mahima won bronze.
In the Long Staff Fight (Girls) event, Komal and Aradhya, along with Ananya and Vandita, secured bronze medals. In the boys’ section of Long Staff Fight, Himanshu and Kirti clinched gold, while Ankush and Akshit secured silver.
In the Kuruvadi Girls category, Siya Bhandari and Ananya won gold, while in Kuruvadi Boys, Ankush and Akshit secured gold.
In Meypattu Boys, Ankush bagged gold, while in Meypattu Girls, Ananya and Vandita secured gold medals.
In the High Kick Boys category, Himanshu added to the medal tally by winning a silver medal.
The championship not only highlighted the growing popularity of Kalarippayattu in Jammu and Kashmir but also showcased the immense talent and dedication of young martial artists across the region.
