Pole position

A traditional Indian sport, Mallakhamb has gained international reputation. Credit is due to six boys from suburban areas, who have taken this sport to another level. Though Maharashtra’s Mallakhamb Association did put a request for participation at the Commonwealth Games two years back, it was only after the sport gained popularity on the Australia-based show One Beautiful Thing they were invited.

National-level Mallakhamb players Rajesh Rao, Gerard Quadras, Atharva Angre, Akshay Taral and Rajesh Amrale will be representing India at the upcoming 2019 Common-wealth Games. They will be performing an opening act before the gymnastic portion of the competition.

Shedding light on their performance at the games, Rajesh Amrale says they will be narrating a story. “This is a great opportunity for us. We are narrating a cultural story, with music, about the ups and downs that depict life,” says Rajesh.

Not only this, they will be performing the traditional sport in various Australian cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne and then finally at the Village.

With great response pouring in for the acts from the participants apart from audiences, Rajesh feels it is an achievement to be a part of something so big.

Coach Yashwant Satam, who trained these young gymnasts, is proud not only of the boys but also because the sport has gained an international platform. “The boys are doing very well in Australia, and it is great exposure for them as well as for the Mallakhamb fraternity,” says an elated Yashwant.

But the coach is quick to add that with better opportunities and help from the government, this sport can do wonders.

Fifteen-year-old Atharva Angre, who recently appeared for his SSC examinations, didn’t wait for a second to start practicing after his exams got over.

“Soon after my exams I started practicing. After which we flew to Australia. I am very excited, and the sport has given me an excellent platform and exposure to etch my name,” smiles the young gymnast.

His mother, Janhavi, is proud of his son and the game as well. When asked if Mallakhamb training ever caused any academic trouble, she says, “Mallakhamb has instead improved his concentration. His understanding of mathematical angles has improved with the different postures (asanas).”

The managing committee of the Commonwealth Games will also be setting up two workshops, wherein enthusiasts and common people alike can learn about the sport free of cost. For the youngest gymnast in the group, 11-year-old Shrishti Sharma, the game is her entire world. “Gymnastics is my life. I have represented Mumbai Upanagar at the state level, and aspire to become a national player someday,” she says.