Coimbatore: "Like art and culture, its important to preserve our endangered sports like Mallakhamb", said Sushmita, a 11th grader from Pollachi who has created a record in the sport.
Coimbatore: "Like art and culture, its important to preserve our endangered sports like Mallakhamb", said Sushmita, a 11th grader from Pollachi who has created a record in the sport.
Many might not be familiar with the term 'Mallakhamb' but the traditional sport had been around for centuries and was recognised as part of modern gymnastics at the national level in 1958. 'Malla' means gymnast and 'Khamb' means pole.
In a bid to preserve the century-old sporting event, Nehru Yuva Kendra in Coimbatore had organised an event to stimulate interest in traditional arts like Mallakhamb, Silambattam among students and youth.
Showcasing her talent in Mallakhamb, Sushmita from Pollachi enthralled the audience with her breathtaking performance of walking on a rope and performing yoga postures.
Her non stop, three-hour performance has helped her etch her name in Kalam's Record Book, the Bharat Book of Records and the Wonder Book of Records.
Speaking to SimpliCity, the young talent from Pollachi said, "Mallakhamb is a traditional art of physical fitness. I have been practicing the art for the past 10 years. After taking a small break for my 10th public exams, I resumed training to ace this traditional sport. I am proud to have created three records in three hours."
Not forgetting to thank her parents and teachers, Sushmita was determined to excel to greater heights in this traditional sport.
She also opined that it was equally important to preserve dying traditional sports like art and culture. "