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Key Points

Madhya Pradesh Mallakhamb teams have won gold at the KIYG 2025, showcasing exceptional performance in rope, hanging, and pole disciplines. The athletes credit Prime Minister Modi's interest for boosting the sport's visibility and national profile. Young athletes like Neeraj Kachhawa and Yuvraj Rao Ghadge are passionate about making Mallakhamb a mainstream sport across India. The victory highlights the growing importance of indigenous sports in the national sporting landscape.

Key Points: Modi's Push Boosts MP Mallakhamb Team to KIYG Gold

  • MP men's team wins gold with 123.60 points
  • PM Modi's interest elevates indigenous sports
  • Mallakhamb gains national recognition
  • Youth athletes aim to mainstream traditional sport
2 min read

KIYG 2025: MP teams take motivation from PM Modi's interest and win gold in Mallakhamb

Madhya Pradesh Mallakhamb teams triumph at Khelo India Youth Games 2025, inspired by PM Modi's national sports vision

"The kind of facilities and vibe at KIYG each year is massive - Neeraj Kachhawa, Mallakhamb Athlete"

Gaya, May 7

Madhya Pradesh men and women’s Mallakhamb teams swept to the top of the podium with command performances in the IIM Campus here, claiming the pride of placings in the first of the medals decided in indigenous sport in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar.

The boys’ team, comprising Yuvraj Rao Ghadge, Devendra Patidar, Yatin Kori, Neeraj Kachhawa, Daksh Kahar, and Jayant Rathore, mesmerised the fans, accumulating 123.60 points across rope, hanging, and pole disciplines to leave archrivals Maharashtra (122.50) and Chhattisgarh (122.05) behind.

Neeraj Kachhawa said it was a special feeling to beat last year’s winner, Maharashtra. However, he was candid and admitted the team was not on the top of its game. “We could have done better. We take all our rivals seriously, but against Maharashtra, we give our all,” he said.

The Madhya Pradesh star said the Mallakhamb athletes were all grateful that the Khelo India Youth Games offered them a great platform. Mallakhamb, a fascinating combination of Yogasana, Gymnastics, and Wrestling, has a history dating back hundreds of years and is seeking to become mainstream in India.

Kachhawa emphasised that the KIYG is changing the Mallakhamb landscape. “It has made the sport special. The kind of facilities and the vibe that we have experienced at successive KIYG each year is massive. It's really nice that our Prime Minister takes interest in Mallakhamb,” he said.

Ghadge takes the discussion forward. “I will honestly say there are not many people in my school who are aware of Mallakhamb. I really want the sport to become mainstream across all parts of India. It ensures that you are healthy, not just physically but also mentally.”

Kachhawa pointed out that new Mallakhamb centres are opening across India. “I believe our sport will engrave itself into the national consciousness very soon,” he said. Almost as if on cue, the Tamil Nadu girls' team found their way to the podium behind powerhouses Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

The results:

Men’s team: 1. Madhya Pradesh (Desh Kahar, Devendra Patidar, Jayant Rathore, Neeraj Kachhawa, Yatin Kori, Yuvraj Rao Ghade) 123.60 points; 2. Maharashtra 122.50; 3. Chhattisgarh 122.05.

Women’s team: 1. Madhya Pradesh (Anushka Nayak, Ishika Naroliya, Mahi Rathore, Mansi

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian user comments for the article:
R
Rahul S.
What a proud moment for MP! Mallakhamb is truly our hidden gem. PM Modi's support for indigenous sports is commendable. More schools should include this in their curriculum - it's yoga, gymnastics and wrestling all in one! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Saw the highlights on DD Sports - these athletes are incredible! But why isn't Mallakhamb getting more media coverage? We celebrate cricket so much, but our traditional sports deserve equal attention. Kudos to Khelo India for the platform 👏
A
Amit K.
As someone from Maharashtra, I'm disappointed we lost but happy to see Mallakhamb growing nationwide. Healthy competition between states will only make the sport stronger. Maybe next year! 🤞
S
Sunita R.
My daughter saw this and now wants to learn Mallakhamb! But we can't find any training centers in Bangalore. Government should open more academies across cities. Such a great way to keep kids fit and connected to our culture.
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate the focus on traditional sports, the facilities still need improvement. My cousin competed last year and said equipment quality varies greatly between states. Equal opportunities for all athletes should be priority.
N
Neha P.
The discipline these athletes show is inspiring! Mallakhamb requires so much strength and flexibility. Hope to see it in Asian Games soon. MP team - you've made India proud! 💪 The way they defeated Maharashtra shows their dedication.

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