ALLAKHAMBALLAKHAMB
Index
COMPETITIVE MALLAKHAMB DESCRIPTION
Mallakhamb as the name suggests is a pole used by wrestlers for practicing their skills in the game KUSTI. But now a days the trend has changed and it has got a special identity. Mallakhamb needs concentration, speed and flexibility. It is the only game which is played against gravity.
The origin of this ancient Indian sport can be traced to earlier part of the 12th century. A mention of wrestlers exercising on wooden poles is found in the Manasholas, written by Chalukya in 1153 A.D. It was revived late in the 19th century by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, physical instructor to Bajirao Peshwa II, He took great efforts to popularize this sport. Resemblance of the shape of the Ancient and Modern Mallakhamb to the human structure can be easily seen. At first Mallakhamb was always concerned with Kusti, to learn different styles of Kusti. Now a days the game also includes Gymnastics. It is leaving ancient grips. The present game includes supple body, alert muscles and mind, concentration and expansion of the muscles, rhythm in breath, eyes wide open etc. Now a days at the competitive level the degree of difficulty is increasing day by day. The need of safety instruments is felt.
There are 3 types of Mallakhamb which are played on competitive level.
IXED
MALLAKHAMB
It is a vertical pole fixed in the ground. Generally teak wood or Sesame (a type of rose wood) is commonly used because of its physical properties such as toughness and soft surface. Castor oil is applied to its surface in order to reduce the friction and minimize the injuries. Generally it is 10 to 12 feet high above the ground level. It has got a diameter of 5 to 6 inches at the bottom and 1.5 to 2 inches at the top.
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ANGING
MALLAKHAMB
It is a small version of the fixed Mallakhamb and is generally used for balancing exercises. The wooden pole is suspended with the help of a hook and chain. The degree of difficulty while performing this exercise is due to its swinging and revolving motion. The fill body has to be kept very close to this Mallakhamb. It is hanged at the height of 3.5 to 4 feet above the ground.
OPE
MALLAKHAMB
It is a different type of Mallakhamb from those mentioned above and is a modernized version of the cane Mallakhamb. The structural difference between the above 2 and the Rope Mallakhamb is noteworthy. The Rope Mallakhamb is an answer to the modern day problems like space and transportation. Various Yogic and Gymnastic positions are performed gracefully on the rope Mallakhamb and that to without tying literal knots to the rope.
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There are few types which are remain confined only for the purpose of demonstration. One of them is the 'Unsupported type'. The Mallakhamb is inclined so that the center of gravity is maintained. In various kinds of demonstrations the people who give the demonstration use traditional weapons like swords, ancient torches.
The manner in which the body is turned, twisted, stretched and balanced on the Mallakhamb keeps the spectators spellbound. Playing on the Mallakhamb helps to develop ones speed, reflexes, concentration and co-ordination. Training of Mallakhamb helps in practicing many other games which include Wrestling, Judo, Gymnastics, Athletics, Horse-riding, Tennis etc.
'Shoulder vault' on the Mallakhamb will improve the wrestlers throw. Most of the wrestlers use the Mallakhamb for shadow practicing. Most of the exercises in Mallakhamb are fabricated keeping wrestling in view.
Practicing Mallakhamb will strengthen a gymnasts shoulder girdle for Roman Ring. Mallakhamb also helps in developing qualities such as flexibility, grace, swiftness and rhythm which are very much essential for a successful gymnast.
In Athletics, Mallakhamb increases the endurance, strength and stamina of the athlete needed for athletic events.
Tennis and Badminton. A ladder on the Mallakhamb will strengthen the muscle of the shoulder girdle and forearm. if also increases the flexibility of the wrist joint.
Cricket, Hockey and Football. A side dive catch on the Mallakhamb will train a cricketer to dive and a Football goalkeeper or Hockey goalkeeper to save a goal.
Swimming. Dismounting from a Mallakhamb teaches diving skills to a diver.
Horse riding. The basic grip helps a horse rider very much, as the grip is similar in both the cases. The horse mount on the Mallakhamb is exactly similar to the literal horse mount.
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COMPETITIVE MALLAKHAMB DESCRIPTION
The Mallakhamb Federation of India (m.f.i.) was established with a view to make the game more disciplined, standardized and to make the activity more coherent in 1980. m.f.i. has standardized basic 3 types of this sport to be played in the competition.
According the rules of M.F.I., hierarchy of the competitions is as follows
1) PUNE DISTRICT MALLAKHAMB ASSOCIATION
The District level competitions
2) MAHARASHTRA AMATEUR MALLAKHAMB ASSOCIATION
The STATE level competitions
3) MALLAKHAMB FEDERATION OF INDIA
The NATIONAL level competitions
These are the main competitions. The other competitions are as follows.
4) ZILLA PARISHAD CHAMPIONSHIPS
5) ALL INDIA INTER UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
6) THE MUMBAI MAYOR INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
