Deep in Chhattisgarh바카라s Bastar district, Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, continues to thrive against the odds. The inspiring journey of Manoj Prasad and his protege Rakesh Kumar Varda stands as a powerful testament to how sports can ignite social change and bring hope to the Naxal-affected regions of central India. (More Sports News)
Their story highlights the strength of community and culture to transform lives.
Manoj Prasad, a Special Task Force (STF) officer, runs the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy in Narayanpur. The academy uniquely enrolls children from tribal communities, many from marginalized backgrounds. Prasad acts as a father figure, covering all expenses, from accommodation to meals and training equipment, to support their growth.
Among his trainees is 15-year-old Rakesh Kumar Varda, who has made a mark at the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), where mallakhamb is featured as a demonstration sport. Rakesh바카라s gold medal win, though not counted in the official medal tally, symbolizes his excellence and determination.
Ten trainees from Prasad바카라s academy competed at KIBG, with Diu providing these young athletes a rare window to the world beyond their remote villages.
Hailing from Kutul, a tribal village in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur, Rakesh is the only youngster from his area practicing mallakhamb. Since starting at the age of eight under Prasad바카라s guidance, he has amassed over 30 medals at national and state-level events. His recent haul includes four medals (one silver and three bronze) at the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar.
Rakesh바카라s achievements are impressive: in 2022, he set a Limca Book of Records entry for the longest handstand on a Mallakhamb pole, holding it for 1 minute and 6 seconds at the All India Handstand Championship. In 2023, he and his team from the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy won India바카라s Got Talent Season 10.
His medal cabinet also includes bronzes at the National Games in Gujarat and Goa, as well as multiple medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in Ujjain and Panchkula.
Despite his success, Rakesh has faced personal hardships. Shortly after returning from the Gujarat National Games, his mother passed away. Due to poor communication in his remote village, he learned the tragic news two days later. Yet, Rakesh remains focused on his goal: 바카라My aim is to contribute to the development of my region and preserve the culture of my ancestors for future generations,바카라 he told Media.
Manoj Prasad바카라s dedication has been crucial in keeping this sport alive in a region where mainstream attention is rare. 바카라Supporting the daily needs of 25 children is no small task,바카라 Prasad said, 바카라but seeing their progress has encouraged senior police and administrative officials to assist us, along with many local people. The secretary of the Chhattisgarh Mallakhamb Sangh, Rajkumar Sharma, has been especially supportive.바카라
Prasad brings tribal children aged 5 to 15 from various villages to his academy, taking care of both their education and sporting needs. 바카라These children come from illiterate families with no steady income.
I want to help them enter mainstream society by nurturing their talents so they can secure jobs and lead better lives. I바카라m all they have,바카라 he said, speaking with heartfelt emotion.
Looking ahead, Prasad praised the Khelo India Beach Games initiative for including mallakhamb and expressed excitement over the government바카라s recent announcement to organize Tribal Games.
바카라Integrating tribal communities into the mainstream is vital for India바카라s growth as a global power. I truly believe sports have the power to make this transformation happen.바카라
