Silambam, the Tamil stick-fighting art, is one of the sports that counts for Tamil Nadu’s 3 percent sports quota in government jobs and public sector recruitment, DT Next reported in 2021. That single rule turned a village tradition into a sport that parents in Chennai now weigh alongside chess and swimming when they pick weekend classes.
It has also gained national standing. The Union sports ministry recognised silambam under the Khelo India programme in 2021, and it was the demonstration sport at the Khelo India Youth Games held in Tamil Nadu in January 2024, the Sports Authority of India said. In 2026 a silambam teacher from neighbouring Puducherry received the Padma Shri. Here is what the sport involves and how to get started in Chennai.
What silambam is
Silambam is a weapon-based martial art that originated in Tamil Nadu. Its core weapon is a long bamboo staff, and training builds footwork, rapid spinning patterns, strikes and blocks. The government’s Padma award citation for K. Pajanivel describes it as about 5,000 years old and notes that it is now played competitively in India and abroad, including France, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Canada.
Students usually learn two strands. One is the display form, set routines performed solo or in groups, often at festivals and school events. The other is competition sparring, scored on clean touches under a rule book. Many classes also teach other traditional weapons once the staff is mastered.
Official recognition, step by step
- September 2021: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recognised silambam under the Khelo India scheme’s category for promoting traditional sports, The Bridge reported. The state announced a dedicated silambam academy at an estimated ₹1.6 crore and the 3 percent quota for outstanding players.
- December 2021: The school education plan to teach traditional sports and art forms, silambattam among them, in government and aided high schools was announced, beginning with high school students.
- 2023: Silambam was included as a traditional sport in the Chief Minister’s Trophy games, according to the state’s 2024-25 sports policy note.
- January 2024: Demonstration sport at the Khelo India Youth Games, the first edition held in South India.
- 2026: K. Pajanivel of Pooranankuppam, Puducherry, who founded a silambam club in 2002 and runs free summer camps for schoolchildren, was named for the Padma Shri.
Note that “recognised under Khelo India” is not the same as being a medal sport at the Youth Games. Medal status depends on each edition’s sports list.
Chennai children at international events
City players are winning abroad. In September 2026, the Inner Wheel Club of Chennai MRC Nagar honoured 30 young silambam players from Tamil Nadu who had won 30 medals at an international championship in Malaysia against about 350 competitors, Mylapore Times reported. Many of them come from low-income families and study at schools across Chennai, a sign of how cheap the sport is to start compared with most others.
How to start learning in Chennai
- Check school options first. Some government and aided schools teach traditional sports under the state plan. Ask the physical education teacher.
- Look for an affiliated club. Classes run in parks, temple grounds, community halls and school campuses across the city. Ask whether the master’s students compete in district and state championships recognised by the state silambam association, because certificates from recognised events are what count for the sports quota.
- Enter the CM Trophy. Registration for the Chief Minister’s Trophy games is online on the SDAT CM Trophy portal, usually mid-year. Check whether silambam is on the year’s list of disciplines for your category.
- Buy kit later. Beginners need only a staff sized to their height and comfortable clothing. Protective gear comes in when sparring starts.
Like any contact sport, silambam carries injury risk. Make sure the class warms up properly and that children spar only with protective gear and supervision.
About the 3 percent sports quota
Tamil Nadu reserves 3 percent of posts in government recruitment for meritorious sportspersons, and SDAT runs an online application for it, according to the 2024-25 policy note. Eligibility depends on achievement at recognised state, national or international events and on the rules in each recruitment notice. Read the notification carefully and keep original certificates; a quota claim is verified before appointment. For specific cases, ask SDAT or the recruiting body.
Quick answers
Is silambam recognised by the government?
Yes. The Union sports ministry recognised it under Khelo India in 2021, and Tamil Nadu counts it for the 3 percent sports quota.
Was silambam at the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai?
Yes, as a demonstration sport in January 2024, not as a medal event.
What age can children start?
Most classes take children from primary school age. Ask the master about a separate batch for beginners.
Who received the Padma Shri for silambam in 2026?
K. Pajanivel of Puducherry, who has taught the art since founding his club in 2002.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- Prime Minister to inaugurate Khelo India Youth Games 2023 (Sports Authority of India)
- Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department Policy Note 2024-25 (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Padma Shri 2026 citation: K. Pajanivel, silambam (Padma Awards, Government of India)
- Silambam recognised by Central Government under Khelo India (The Bridge)
- Traditional sports and art forms to be taught in govt schools (DT Next)
- Inner Wheel Club Chennai MRC Nagar honours silambam champs (Mylapore Times)
