MP declares 'Malkhamb' as state sport

Madhya Pradesh Government today declared 'Malkhamb' as the state sport and also launched 'Mission Olympics 2020' for imparting coaching to the budding talents.
The decision to declare 'Malkhamb' as the state sport was taken by the Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, official sources said.
Malkhamb is an ancient sport and a player is required to have a unique technique and players mastering it can also excel in wrestling, gymnastics, pole vault and other sports, according to experts.
Under the Mission Olympics 2020 scheme, the government would impart training to budding talents in such a manner that they represent India in Olympics 2020, officials said.

The focus under the scheme will be on martial arts, water sports and shooting and the players will be shortlisted for dedicated coaching at the minimum age of nine years.
Players of international repute will be asked to coach the budding players -- four each in men and women category -- in these sports and they will also be sent to foreign countries for a dedicated two-months training.
The government would be spending Rs 28.87 crore on the scheme, the sources added.