Pic: Gadag district minister HK Patil inaugurated state level Mallakhamba sports meet in Gadag on SundayGadag: Mallakhamba is an ancient Indian sport that has gained special significance in recent times, said district minister HK Patil. Inaugurating a state-level Mallakhamba sports meet here on Sunday, Patil said that it is a matter of joy that the state-level Mallakamba competition is being held in Gadag district. MLC SV Sankanur remarked, “Athletes from Gadag district have brought national-level awards in hockey, cycling, and wrestling, spreading the district’s fame across the country. After Modi became Prime Minister, initiatives like Khelo India were established to promote sports, and Mallakhamba was included. Yet, it is disappointing that no sport other than cricket and football has come to the forefront in our country. There are 35 educational districts in the state, but only athletes from 20 districts participated in the state-level Mallakhamba competition. This means the sport is not widespread. Therefore, state and central govts must work together to popularise it.” Deputy commissioner CN Sreedhara, DDPI RS Buradi, and others were present.
