Learning the ropes of Mallakhamb
November 20, 2012
Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practiced as a sport in itself.
The name is a combination of the words ‘malla’, which means athlete or strong man, and ‘khamba’, which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind.
* Vivek Prakash / Reuters
