Mallakhamb : Showcased At The Khelo India Beach Games 2025
Mallakhamb was showcased at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 in Diu, marking the first time the traditional sport was held on a beach setting.
- Mallakhamb (literally meaning wrestling pole) is an ancient Indian sport where athletes perform aerial yoga and gymnastic postures on a vertical wooden pole or rope.
- Originally designed as a training aid for wrestlers and warriors to improve agility, strength, flexibility, and martial readiness.
- Traces of mallakhamb date back to Chandraketugarh pottery (1st–2nd century BCE) and epics like the Ramayana.
- Manasollasa (12th century) by King Someshvara III contains the earliest literary mention.
- Revived in the 18th century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, trainer to Peshwa Bajirao II.
- Practised by figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope.
