India's most ancient game, Malkhamb, has been given State Sport status by Madhya Pradesh. The sports & youth welfare department has issued orders and a notification has also been issued in Madhya Pradesh Gazette.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in March. There are 14 Malkhamb centres at Indore, Khargone, Ujjain, Betul, Datia, Panna, Ratlam, Shajapur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur, Chhatarpur and Sagar.
In this traditional sport, a player performs various postures on a wooden pole or rope. Its three forms are played in national games.
Fixed Malkhamb (for men only): Players perform on 10 to 12 feet high wooden poles which is of 5 to 6 inches diameter at the base and 1.5 to 2 inches at the top. The pole is made of teak or sheesham.
Hanging Malkhamb (for men only): This is called a miniature version of fixed Malkhamb. It’s about maintaining balance. On the pole, a piece of wood is attached at a height of 3.5 to 4 feet with the help of hook and chain on which players perform.
Third form: This a modern version, specially suitable for women. Various yogic postures are displayed with a rope.
Revival of Malkhamb: Malkhamb was revived by Guru of Peshwa Bajiraon-II Shri Balam Bhatt Dada Devdhar. Malkhamb was included in national gymnastics championship for first time in year 1958.