MALKHAMB

Malkhamb is a traditional indian sport, which blends in itself gymnasium and martial art. The malkhamb is known to have existed ever since 12th century thou was restored from antiquity only in 19th century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, the fitness instructor of Peshwa Bajirao II during the reign of the Peshwas. It was used as a form of practice for the wrestlers.



Malkhamb involves few variations, Rope malkhamb and Pole malkhamb being the most common. This sport cum art requires extreme flexibility of body and immense physical strength. It can be performed as an individual or as a group. The group malkhamb requires great metal stability and team work to put up various entwined postures. I happened to attend one performance recently in a community event and it was breath taking. It thrills and at times can make ur heart pop out.




It's wonderful to see today's youth promoting an ingenious art form, Malkhamb, which is an extension of gymnasium and martial art. Malkhamb's presence in reality shows recently has made it more popular now. Apart from its popularity merely as a form of entertainment, one needs to realise its potential as an international level Game.The irony is that India herself has not recognised it as a sport that needs to be included in the national games let alone other nations. It must be accepted as a National Game ASAP and then can be promoted further to Commonwealth and Olympics. We need to preserve MALKHAMB as a precious heritage and not let it disappear.