Six years since debuting at PU, Mallakhamb yet to find takers

Even six years after its introduction in the Panjab University inter-college sports calendar, Maharashtra’s traditional sport of “Mallakhamb” is yet to attract players and teams from Chandigarh and Punjab.

Hosting an inter-college meet, Panjab University has received entry from three teams each in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the individual event, only one entry has been received in both categories from the hundreds of colleges affiliated to the varsity.

The sport, which traces its origins to Maharashtra, demands a blend of muscle power, body balance and flexibility.

Mostly drawing gymnasts, the sport derives its name from “malla” (wrestler) and “khamb” (pole). In essence, a group of gymnasts perform aerial yoga and postures using wrestling grips in concert with a stationary vertical wooden pole.

As many as 14 teams had confirmed their entries (in both men and women) for the event, but only six turned up at the venue.

“A majority of the teams and individuals are from Chandigarh. There were two colleges from Punjab that confirmed their entry but did not turn up for the event,” said Rajinder Sharma, Mallakhamb coach at the varsity.

Notably, the hosts (Panjab University campus) also failed to put together their team for the event. “The sport is still growing. It’s gaining some popular in parts of northern India. I am not aware of what exactly happened this year, but there are very few teams for the event. More than the players, the affiliated colleges, who are stakeholders of the university, should take interest in popularising the sport,” added Sharma.

A push for

indigenous sports

Making an effort to promote indigenous sports, the Centre had announced the inclusion of sports like Mallakhamb, Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Thang-Ta among others in the Khelo India Games.

Following suit, the Associations of Indian Universities has recently announced All India Mallakhamb Inter-University Meet at the Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Salem, from October 24 to 27. The sport also allows universities to grab points during the Khelo India University Games—which is now the new parameter for adjudging the winner of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.

“To make a sport popular, the organisation needs to take some strong steps. Some exhibitions events must be organised at colleges to encourage and attract youngsters. The sport is majorly chosen by gymnasts, so clinics can be organised by the university or colleges,” said Anshul, a gymnast.