Hoping for an opportunity to display mallakhamb at Olympics: MFJ secretary

Mallakhamb Federation of Japan secretary Vivek Sable

Vivek Sable, the Mallakhamb Federation of Japan (MFJ) secretary, is still hopeful that players will get an opportunity to present mallakhamb as a demonstration sport at the Tokyo Olympics.

"The situation in Tokyo is quite challenging due to the COVID-19-caused emergency. We are coordinating with the Olympics organising committee to get an opportunity to showcase this wonderful sport during the closing ceremony," Sable told mid-day. According to Sable, 37, around 10 to 12 players each from India and United States and as many players from Japan were supposed to demonstrate the skill of mallakhamb during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games (July 23-August 8). However, considering the pandemic and restrictions, Sable said they are yet to receive the green signal.

"We are following up with the authorities. I still believe that there are 50 per cent chances that the organising committee will allow us to introduce this ancient Indian sport to the world, but it all depends on the situation.

"I think considering the current phase, players from India and America won't be able to exhibit mallakhamb in Tokyo, but our Japanese players are practising very hard and don't want to miss this opportunity. Keiko Takemoto [who won two gold medals in the women's short and long set pole category at the first 2019 Mallakhamb World Championship in Mumbai] is eagerly awaiting an opportunity," remarked Sable, who is also the Japanese national team coach.

Sable said that MFJ has already received two sets each of mallakhamb equipment from the Sports Authority of India for the upcoming Olympics event.

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