Kalaripayattu

Why in news?

• To promote and give due acknowledgement and importance to sports having regional spread,Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recognised the Indian Kalarippayattu Federation as Regional Sports Federation.

What is it?

• Kalaripayattu is a martial art which originated as a style in Kerala during 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. 
• The word kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
• One of the oldest fighting system in existence.
• Kerala and TN