From the 8th to the 10th of June 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Nepal for the 3rd South Asian Yoga Sports Championships held in Kathmandu. The event, organized by the Nepal Yoga Sports Association and under the auspices of the International Yoga Sports Federation, brought together participants from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. As a Pole Mallakhamb enthusiast and teacher, I was thrilled to be able to share my knowledge with the participants. In this blog post, I will take you through the highlights of the Pole Mallakhamb workshop and my experience conducting a Rope Mallakhamb session at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Nepal.
Pole Mallakhamb, an ancient Indian sport, combines elements of yoga, gymnastics, and strength training. It involves performing various postures and acrobatic maneuvers on a vertical pole. The art requires immense strength, flexibility, and balance, making it both physically demanding and visually captivating.
During the workshop, participants from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh gathered at the venue with enthusiasm and curiosity. As a Pole Mallakhamb instructor, I was excited to introduce them to this unique art form. We started with a warm-up session to prepare our bodies for the challenging postures that lay ahead. The participants quickly embraced the movements and showcased their dedication to learning.
With each passing day, the participants grew more comfortable with the pole, honing their skills and perfecting their postures. From basic holds and balances to complex twists and inversions, the participants exhibited great determination and progress. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie as everyone encouraged and supported each other.
The beauty of Pole Mallakhamb lies not only in the physicality but also in the mental focus it requires. Through my teaching, I emphasized the importance of mindfulness and breath control during each pose. The participants learned to synchronize their movements with their breath, enhancing their concentration and deepening their practice.-Uday Deshpande – Vishwa Mallakhamb Federation’s Secretary