The organizers of Mallakhamb are thrilled about the opportunity to see the local sport in the first-ever Khelo India Beach Games in 2025 (KIBG). To be honest, they are unfamiliar with the environment.

Traditionally connected to the Akhadas, Mallakhamb is particularly practiced in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra; however, it is now held in Diu’s Ghoghla beach. And it offers the organizers a great deal of optimism.

The Mallakhamb Federation of India was founded in 1980 by KS Shrivastava, who is happy of the sport’s progress despite never having predicted it. “I never in a million years thought that Mallakhamb would be performed on a beach. In essence, it is an Akhada sport. It’s a very proud moment. The 1980 Vikram Award recipient commented, “I consider it a personal achievement since I have tried to promote Mallakhamb all my life.” Madhya Pradesh athletes get the award in recognition of their outstanding athletic performance.

Yogesh Malviya, Mallakhamb’s first Dronacharya recipient, is equally optimistic. “This is how Mallakhamb should proceed. “We must reach a wider audience and come up with innovative methods to promote the sport, and holding it on a beach rather than in a conventional venue is one of them. We’re on the right track,” he said.

One of the key players managing the preparations at the KIBG is Shubham Balasaheb Ahir, a native of Nasik who now teaches mallakhamb in Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu. He thinks that mallakhamb, which combines wrestling, yoga, and gymnastics, has the potential to expand in the union area as well.

“I didn’t receive a fantastic reaction at first, but things are gradually improving. Tribal children are what I teach. They reside in places with poor connection that prevent you from making any phone calls. However, one of the reasons these youngsters have embraced the sport is because they are physically powerful,” he exclaims.

Mallakhamb was included as a demonstration sport at the KIBG, where both boys and girls competed in Team and Pyramid Championships. However, the organizers have since made the decision to make the event competitive. Malviya continues, “Initially, we had a different plan but to make it more exciting, we have now made it competitive but there will be no medals at stake.”

At the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government is working to promote five native sports across the nation. These include kalarippayattu, thang-ta, gatka, mallakhamb, and yogasana. The fact that Mallakhamb is the sole indigenous sport included at KIBG 2025 gives it even more credibility.

“It’s a big thing for us,” Malviya adds. A few of the children had never ever seen a sea. Arre itna saara paani (oh my God, so much water) is what a little child said yesterday, I recall. He was in awe. I really hope Mallakhamb continues to set new records.