Mallakhamb
What is Mallakhamb?
- Mallakhamb is one of the few games that is played against gravity.
- It functions on a synergy of mind and body, employing every muscle in a way that enables a person to develop speed, stamina and better health.
- The name derives from the pole used by wrestlers for practising their skills.
- Mallakhamb has developed an identity that is separate from wrestling or kushti.
- The word malla means a wrestler or an athlete in Sanskrit and Khamb or kham means a pole. Therefore, Mallakhamb has come to be known as wrestling against a pole.
- There are two other Mallakhamb styles such as ‘rope mallakhamb’ and ‘hanging mallakhamb’.
- The origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th century.
- A mention of wrestlers exercising on wooden poles is found in the Manasholas, written by Chalukya, in 1153 AD.
- It was revived late in the 19th century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, physical instructor to Bajirao Peshwa II. He took great efforts to popularise this sport.
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