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Indian troops taught them yoga, learnt martial arts

Kunming(China): Indian troops shared their expertise in yoga with their Chinese counterparts and learnt martial arts skills from them on Saturday, the second day of their first-ever joint military exercise in this capital city of southwestern Yunnan province.

The People’s Liberation Army men’s “Chak De, Chak De” cheers filled the air as they inspired the Indian soldiers during the exercises.

And, a well-executed one earned a “Shabhash” from the Chinese.

The gesture was reciprocated in good measure by the Indian Army personnel who sought to raise the spirits of the PLA soldiers shouting “Chayo, Chayo (come on, buck up)”, and “Pancha, Pancha (well done, well done).”

The day’s training began with the Chinese soldiers being taught yoga exercises by instructors from the Indian Army, kindling great interest in them on techniques to keep the mind calm, an Indian military officer said.

The Indian troops, in turn, were given training in martial arts, both defensive and offensive skills in unarmed combat, by the Chinese after which they went through exercises basically designed to overcome psychological barriers and instil team spirit.

The Chinese soldiers carried out breathtaking manoeuvres amidst explosions and gun-firing, signalling their physical endurance in such critical conditions and winning appreciation from their Indian counterparts.

“Such exercises are aimed at increasing the abilities for perseverance and endurance in situations including a battlefield and anti-terrorism operations,” Capt. Gong Kai of the PLA told PTI.

“Both the armies are very well trained. We can learn from each other,” Maj Gen. Liu Yongxin of the Chengdu Military Region said.

He said terrorism was a “common enemy” not only of both India and China but has threatened the international community as a whole.

The joint training would increase the combat capabilities of both armies and be mutually beneficial apart from building mutual trust, Mr. Liu added.

In a path-breaking confidence-building step, India and China on Friday launched the five-day joint military exercise, “Hand-in-Hand” with focus on the anti-terrorism drill at the Kunming Military Academy.

Nearly 103 troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and an equal number of PLA soldiers are taking part in the exercise, which includes a joint command post and joint battle decision-making. — PTI

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