Diu, Jan 9 (NationPress) In the tribal heartlands of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, where sports have long been eclipsed by daily survival struggles, Mallakhamb is quietly crafting a narrative of change. Once practiced in fields and farmlands, this traditional Indian sport has evolved into a vehicle for confidence, aspiration, and social transformation for children from some of the most resource-limited communities in the region.

Central to this movement is Mallakhamb coach Shubham Mair, who arrived from Maharashtra’s Nashik district in the 2019–20 period and was contracted by the Khanvel Gram Panchayat. He serves as the head coach at the Mallakhamb Academy situated in Shelti village, within the Khanvel division.

Upon starting his journey in the Union Territory, Shubham faced stark realities—there were no training facilities, no equipment, and no safety measures. 'The first day was overwhelming. The children trained in paddy fields, on bare ground, and sometimes even climbed trees. We lacked poles, mats, oil, or powder. Yet, what we had was an extraordinary desire to learn.'

Initially, most children had never heard of Mallakhamb. Coming from tribal families working as daily wage laborers, sports were seldom seen as a viable career option. For families struggling to put together two meals a day, structured training seemed a luxury.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2019–20 when Shubham attended a preparatory camp in Panchkula (Haryana) for the Khelo India Youth Games. The focus shifted to providing competition exposure to emerging athletes, who rarely receive opportunities at the national level. The immediate goal was experience rather than medals—introducing children to competitive atmospheres and fostering confidence organically.

This initiative has gained momentum through sustained institutional support.

Arun Gupta, Joint Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports for Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, emphasized that tribal sports development is a priority in the Union Territory, especially in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, where over 50 percent of the population belongs to tribal communities.

According to Gupta, a permanent Mallakhamb training center has been established in Khanvel, complemented by a Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Silvassa that supports archery, athletics, and table tennis. This center offers residential facilities for nearly 75 athletes, most of whom hail from tribal backgrounds.

He noted that world-class sports infrastructure—including stadiums and high-performance facilities—is being developed across Diu, Daman, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, paving structured pathways for young talent from remote areas.

For Shubham and his athletes, the impact of this support is already evident. Guidance from senior coaches visiting from Nashik has formalized training methods, while regular competitions have honed their skills.

At the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, Shubham has brought a team of six boys and six girls, many of whom are experiencing a multi-sport event of this scale for the first time. 'When children compete here, they realize they are no different from athletes from other states. That belief transforms everything,' he said.

Among these athletes is 12-year-old Kavya, who discovered Mallakhamb through school. 'When it was introduced in Class VII, I became interested,' she said. 'Sir told us that with hard work, we can achieve something.'

Eleven-year-old Trusha shares a similar sentiment. Her father works as a hotel cook, while her mother manages the household. 'My siblings don’t practice Mallakhamb, but I want to,' she said, smiling shyly.

For these girls, Mallakhamb represents more than physical exercise—it is a pathway to identity and self-confidence. Yet, challenges remain. The absence of women coaches limits girls’ participation, particularly since the sport often requires physical assistance during training.

'After a certain age, male coaches cannot train girls,' Shubham explained. 'Social factors and the lack of female coaches mean many girls miss out.'

Despite this, the determination remains strong. Coaches and administrators are striving to ensure equal opportunities. The belief is simple yet powerful: talent exists, even in the absence of resources.

'These children may lack facilities at home, but they possess immense potential. With guidance and opportunity, they can achieve great things,' Shubham stated.