People With Disabilities Grace USHAs Mallakhamb Event In Villupuram, Tamil Nadu

USHA Play organised a Mallakhamb sports event in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, to revive and promote the forgotten age-old sport. Believed to be from the 12th century, this traditional sport combines gymnastics and Yoga. It was a state-level championship supported by USHA. The teams that participated in the event were coached by the women of the USHA Silai school. These sports events are organised in villages which either have an USHA Silai school, or are in close proximity to one.

About 300 children from across Tamil Nadu displayed their talent and skills at the event. Class 10 student, S. Jyothy was one of the participants at the event. Speaking about her experience, she said,

I would act originally, like no other people do. That is my signature style. If we secure a spot at the nationals, the government transfers funds. I got Rs 1 lakh twenty thousand . You can do that too.

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Another student, Manidarshan, said that the Mallakhamb sport helps to keep the mind in the right form. Participant and Class 9 student, Tamilselvan S., shared that his dream was to become an international pole Mallakhamb player. Performed over an eight and a half foot high pole and a rope hanging from a high mast separately, Mallakhamb puts these children's agility and flexibility to a rigorous test. The pole resembles a human being and the performance is akin to a wrestling match against the pole which is seen as another person. The participants' mettle is assessed in a flat 90 second slot. Besides, contestants are expected to perform 16 skills or exercises. They are awarded points on the basis of difficulty, flexibility, execution and grace (horizontally and vertically) among other factors.

The event also saw a sterling performance by national gold medalist Hemachandran, a college student in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district. He has been learning Mallakhamb since he was in class 2. Belonging to a humble background, Mr. Hemachandran hopes his efforts land him a government job.

I would do difficult acts like a somersault on top, which nobody does. I do risky things. To win a gold for Mallakhamb in an international meet, he added.

Another showstopper, Sangeetha, a class 11 student mesmerised the audience. Ms. Sangeetha's father always encouraged her to pursue Mallakhamb. Seeing her passion for the sport, the coach trained her for free. Ms Sangeetha wishes to become a police officer.

Earlier parents were scared. They wouldn't send their children. Gymnastics is difficult, yoga is flexible. But this is a mix of the two and children perform by risking their lives. Once this developed, now we have children as young as two years old doing it. They even bring babies who crawl or have just learnt to walk, she said.

This USHA initiative drew children from cities too. Akshaya, a four-time gold winner at the national level also participated at the event. He is currently pursuing a sports degree in Chennai.

Nowadays everyone is well aware about Mallakhamb because it is coming under the sports development authority of India. It has been included under SDFA games and all India Mallakhamb, Mr. Akshaya said.

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One of the showstoppers was undoubtedly five year old Maghizhan from Chennai. He started training for Mallakhamb during the COVID-19 lockdown and is fully supported by parents. Mr. Maghizhan's father said,

The concentration is more important because if you miss any one of the particular events it will be missed for him actually. This is the main area where children should focus.

The grand finale was worth the wait , as it was a stunning performance by a group of people with disabilities. Their show stunned the audience. One of the players, Prabhakaran said,

For the first time in India the differently abled have set a record by taking this in our hands. We are happy. Our aim is to have Mallakhamb help many differently abled to set new records. We are prepared for a world record.

The renewal of the sport has also generated a new breed of referees. Experts say the central government has recognised Mallakhamb as a sport, and many now want the Tamil Nadu government to follow the suit, so that more youngsters can be drawn to the sport.

This sport is only under the Union government. It would be nice if it were included under the state government. It would help many children, gold-medallist Hemachandran said.

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V Sangeetha Ramachandran, National Technical Officer, said that Viluppuram was the mother of Mallakhamb.

With the help of USHA, the sport will grow and go international. It will even reach the Olympics, she added.

Mallar Mahaguru Ulaga Durai , Founder, Tamil Nadu Mallakhamb Association, said,

Due to my work over the last 35 years the sport here has revived to the extent that we are winning honours at the national level. These kinds of state meets ought to be held more if we are to win in Asian and international meets.

Inspired by the impact of its work, USHA plans to scale up its involvement with traditional indigenous sports. This began with a district level meet a year ago. Regional Manager (South) of USHA Silai School, Vadivelan Perumal said,

Nowadays most of them are addicted to mobiles and gadgets. This is a unique sport, they would be mentally and physically strong if they perform regularly. They can stay healthy and Usha wants to take this sport to the International platform.

The Mallakhamb event is a prime example of how corporate support could revive forgotten sports in India. 

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