Police personnel in West Bengal learnt the nuances of martial arts as a part of an initiative by the state authorities to make then fit and agile.

About 500 police personnel were seen undergoing training in Kalaripayattu, an ancient form of martial art originating from Kerala, at the Police Training Centre in Barrackpore.

"This is the first time in West Bengal police history that one indigenous art form is being introduced for the curriculum. Obviously, it is a decision for all the higher authority, they approached me to present something on Kalaripayattu because Kalaripayattu exercise martial arts contains many exercises which develops muscular power of the students, their strength and stamina," said Sariful Islam Mallick, Kalaripayattu instructor.

Based on the tenets of plyometrics, Kalaripaittu training involves movement based aerobic exercise and burns fat by increasing metabolism.

Though initially many of them had fitness problems and faced problems to cope up with the exercise, but are now happy to see marked improvement in their health.

"Our level of stamina has risen, mental strength improved and the overall heath also improved," said Soumi Bhattacharya, sub inspector.

Officials said the training is not limited to the entrance level and is also compulsory for the in-service personnel.

"We have introduced it not only for entrance level which means at the recruitment constable level and at the sub-inspector level but also we are doing that for the in-service training," Bhupinder Singh, Director General of Police.

The course was introduced in the state's police training curriculum in January this year. (ANI)