In the sun-drenched coastal enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, a quiet revolution is underway. Shubham Mayer, a passionate practitioner of Mallakhamb, is on a mission to transform this ancient Indian sport from obscurity to a household name.
Mallakhamb, often described as the lovechild of gymnastics and wrestling, traces its roots to Maharashtra in the 12th century. Performed on a vertical wooden pole or rope, it demands unparalleled strength, flexibility, and balance. Yet, in these union territories, it was virtually unknown until Mayer stepped in.
A former national competitor, Mayer relocated to the region five years ago. Witnessing the fitness craze among youth but the absence of traditional sports, he launched free training camps. ‘Kids here are glued to smartphones,’ he says. ‘Mallakhamb offers discipline, fitness, and cultural pride.’
Starting with a handful of curious teens in Kachigam village, Mayer’s initiative has exploded. Today, over 300 students across 15 centers practice daily. Local gyms have incorporated Mallakhamb poles, and schools have added it to extracurriculars. The sport’s visual appeal—athletes twisting mid-air like human pretzels—has gone viral on social media, drawing sponsorships from tourism boards.
Challenges persist. Limited funding means makeshift equipment, and scorching summers test endurance. But Mayer’s persistence pays off. At last month’s district championships, DNH teams clinched gold, signaling a shift. ‘We’re not just building bodies,’ Mayer emphasizes. ‘We’re reviving heritage.’
As inter-state tournaments loom, Mayer eyes national recognition. His dream? A Mallakhamb academy rivaling Maharashtra’s. For now, in these forgotten corners of India, a pole stands tall as a symbol of resurgence.
