KOTTAYAM: The native ball game (Nadan panthu kali) has made a comeback in the district with various teams conducting tournaments enthusing the sports lovers of the region.
The game, which originated in Kottayam over 100 years ago, attained popularity with the formation of the All-Kerala Native Ball Federation in 2012.
Now 26 teams—24 from Kottayam and two from Idukki districts— are registered with the federation. The game is played in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha also though no teams have been registered from there.
The tournament season is from January to May and on Onam holidays. Three tournaments are currently going on in Kottayam with the support of the federation.
“Over 100 years ago, the game was played during mid- summer vacation mostly on the grounds of schools, churches and in paddyfields after harvesting time at places such as Puthupally, Vakathanam, Anchery, Meenadom, Pathamuttam, Pampady, Manarcaud and adjoining areas,” says Kurian Thomas Karimpanatharayil, who is writing a book on the history of the game.
Age is no bar and even those up to 54 play the game. “The federation’s aim is to popularise it, mould competent players and work for their welfare,” says Geevarghese Kuriakose, 45, player and secretary of the federation.
The semifinal of a tournament organised by the federation will be held between the teams of Meenadom panchayat and Manarcaud at the Manarcaud LP school ground on Wednesday.
The game, similar to cricket, has unique rules with both teams having seven players each. It has six innings (known as Vara) comprising ‘Otta’ (stroke with one hand at the ball), ‘Petta’ (striking the ball after throwing it with the other hand), ‘Pidiyan’ (striking it by placing the other hand in one’s back), ‘Thalam’ (hitting the ball after patting the thigh), ‘Keezhu’ (hitting it after throwing it beneath one’s legs) and ‘Indan’ ( hitting it with one leg). The ball is made of softened leather.
