Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 6 : The Malaysian Silambam Association has decided to push for the Indian traditional martial art as an Olympic sport.

As the first step in this direction, silambam would be promoted in 10 countries by next year, the association’s president R. C. Veeraseelan was quoted by the Star Online, as saying.

Silambam, which is recognised by the Malaysian Sports Council, was introduced in Malaysia nearly 30 years ago.

The martial art will be a competitive sport at Sukma in 2010.

Speaking to reporters after on the sidelines of the association’s AGM in Brickfields, Veeraseelan said that efforts were being taken to promote the art at both the SEA Games and the Asian Games. (ANI)