How Has Mallakhamb Evolved From Akhadas to Diu Beach?

Diu, May 19 (NationPress) The Mallakhamb organizers are thrilled about the opportunity to showcase this traditional sport at the debut of the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 (KIBG). This environment is quite unfamiliar for them, to be honest.

Mallakhamb is typically linked with the Akhadas and is predominantly practiced in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, but it is currently being performed at Ghoghla beach in Diu. This shift brings a wave of optimism to the organizers.

KS Shrivastava, a founding member of the Mallakhamb Federation of India established in 1980, expresses pride in the sport's journey. “I never imagined that mallakhamb would be showcased on a beach. It’s fundamentally an Akhada sport. This is a moment of immense pride for me, as I have devoted my life to promoting mallakhamb,” stated the 1980 Vikram Award recipient, an accolade honoring sporting excellence from Madhya Pradesh.

Yogesh Malviya, the nation’s first Dronacharya award winner in mallakhamb, shares his optimism. “This is the path forward for mallakhamb. To broaden its reach, we must introduce it to a wider audience and explore new avenues. Hosting it on a beach, a non-traditional venue, is a step in the right direction,” he remarked.

Shubham Balasaheb Ahir, originally from Nasik and now teaching mallakhamb in Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu, plays a crucial role in the KIBG arrangements. He believes that mallakhamb, which blends yoga, gymnastics, and wrestling, has significant growth potential in the union territory.

“Initially, the response was lukewarm, but progress is evident. I teach tribal children in areas where phone connectivity is non-existent. However, these kids are physically robust, which has contributed to their interest in the sport,” he shares enthusiastically.

At the KIBG, mallakhamb will be included as a demonstration event, featuring performances across Team and Pyramid Championships, but the organizers have decided to introduce a competitive format. Malviya elaborates, “We initially had a different plan, but to enhance excitement, we are now making it competitive, though no medals will be awarded.”

Five indigenous sports are being promoted by the Government of India at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These include mallakhamb, yogasana, thang-ta, gatka, and kalarippayattu. In a significant boost for mallakhamb, it stands as the sole native sport showcased at KIBG 2025.

Malviya adds, “This is monumental for us. Some of the children had never before seen the sea. I recall one little boy expressing his astonishment at the sight of the vast water. I sincerely hope mallakhamb continues to achieve new milestones.”