Traditional Sport is characterised by athletes performing a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or pole.
Mallakhamb is a very old traditional sport of India in which a gymnast performs Aerial yoga and wrestling on hanging wooden poles, cane or hanging rope. The word Mallakhamb also attribute to the pole used in the long-established sport of the Indian sub-continent. Three popular versions Mallakhamb is done using a Sheesham pole, cane or rope.
The pole is made from Indian Rosewood which is polished with castor oil. The name of the sport is derived from the terms of Malla which means wrestling, and khamb which means a pole, completely meaning “ Wrestling pole “.
History of Mallakhamb
During ancient times when documentation was extremely difficult as compared to the modern era, the survival of various art forms such as yoga was purely dependent on the Guru which was the Master and his Disciplines. The Master used to teach his disciplines and kept the art alive.
The 5th generation is carrying forward and has kept the flying flag high, which has resulted in immense popularity not only in India but the entire World, and all this is due to the Gurus who knew Alpha to Omega of Mallakhamb for their amazing contribution and keeping this traditional art form alive.
The valuable contribution of the ancient gurus and the performers who kept the essence of this heritage sport even after 200 years of its origin and even through the toughest of the situation which was the freedom fighting.
Origin
Mallakhamb is one of the hardest sports in history, it is an Indian Martial Arts which originated in Maharashtra, and traces back to the historic period of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Balambhatt Dada Deodhar from the regime of Peshwa Bajirao II, accepted a challenge to beat the Nazmi wrestlers, Ali and Gulab, which were thought to be absolutely unbeatable at that time. Deodhar belonged to the Priestly Clan and so he sought help in goddess Saptashrungi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman taught him the wrestling moves on a wooden pole stand.
Types of Mallakhamb
Pole Mallakhamb: Poles of Sheesham or teak is vertically fixed vertically on the ground. The performers perform various acts using the pole.
Hanging Mallakhamb: In this, the pole is not fixed but is hanging by the hook which is usually shorter than the fixed pole.
Rope Mallakhamb: A cotton rope is generally used sometimes which should not lead to binding of the rope.
Bottle Mallakhamb: This is the newest form of Mallakhamb in which glass bottles are placed on a wooden base and the Mallakhamb is balanced on the top.
Why Mallakhamb?
The traditional sport is considered to be a perfect exercise. It consists of different types of yoga positions, that develops a strong control over the body. It basically teaches you balancing and controlling. The posture of the sport provides one strength to the muscles of hands, legs, triceps. The body becomes extremely flexible because the body regularly twists and turns. It also gives Grasping powers to one’s hands and wrists.
It also helps in enhancing mental ability also. The breathing control and control of balance help the development of the mind. It also develops the power of concentration and various other traits such as increasing the strength and courage of the individual.
Mallakhamb World Championship 2019
India were the winners in the team event of the first-ever Mallakhamb World championship. The two-day tournament was held in Mumbai in which 15 countries participated, countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy, USA, England, France and hosts India competed. The team championship was won by India with 244 points, while Singapore and Malaysia came second and third respectively.