The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a revamped physical education textbook for Class IX, which marks a shift towards indigenous sports, inclusivity and a more holistic approach to fitness and learning.The new book, Khel Praveen, brings traditional Indian disciplines such as Gatka, Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta and Kalaripayattu into the mainstream curriculum, alongside a focus on gender equity and career awareness in sports.Gatka, the Sikh martial art, is traced back to the teachings of Guru Hargobind and later developed by Guru Gobind Singh. The text notes that its modern competitive format is governed by the World Gatka Federation. Mahan Kosh, the encyclopaedic Sikh reference work authored by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, explains Gatka as a three-hand span stick, used to teach the initials of club fighting.“During the 16th century, the Sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib (1595–1644) initiated this historical art of self-defence. Later in the 17th century, Guru Gobind Singh, known as master of weaponry, developed it further and made it a compulsory part of the Sikh tradition,” the book states.Mallakhamb, too, is contextualised through references to ancient Sanskrit works like ‘Manasollasa’ and ‘Vyayam Dipika’, and its revival under Maratha warrior Bajirao Peshwa II by his court gymnast Balambhat Dada Deodhar to train soldiers for battle.Meanwhile, Kalaripayattu — described as a 3,000-year-old martial art from Kerala — is noted to have been restricted during British rule, fearing it might make Indians physically strong, emotionally balanced and mentally stable.The textbook also devotes a full chapter to women in sports, underlining persistent challenges such as unequal pay and underrepresentation in leadership roles.At the same time, it highlights recent gains, noting that both the Indian Olympic Association and the Paralympic Committee of India are currently led by women. It adds that the International Olympic Committee is pushing for greater gender parity, with women expected to make up nearly half the participants in upcoming Olympic Games.In the foreword, NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani writes that the book emphasises inclusivity, disability awareness and culturally rooted practices. “This textbook focuses on practical engagement with sports and games…enabling students to develop physical skills, teamwork, sportspersonship, and appreciation for India’s rich sporting traditions,” he adds.