“When Krishna was only 5 years old, the coach of SSM asked him to climb up the Mallakhamb, and in one go he did. Ever since that day, he has not missed a single day of practice,” says Krishna’s father, Kishore Jhadhav. Krishna Jhadhav who just won a silver medal at the National level Mallakhamb Competition is a quiet, shy 14-year-old boy hailing from a small village of Sagroli.
His father completed his education and proudly says, “I have earned a degree from Nanded but financial adversities forced me to become a driver.” As a result, the father decided to encourage his children to engage in sports from a young age. He says, “In the beginning, Krishna struggled to wake up for practice at 4:00 am, prompting me to resort to splashing water to rouse him. Now, he cannot go a day without setting foot on the field.”
Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, is not commonly found in mainstream sports arenas. Nonetheless, in the village of Sagroli, it flourishes. Yet, this was not always the case. In 2016, the Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM) took the initiative to introduce Mallakhamb, aiming to popularize this traditional sport. Initially, there was little interest among the locals. However, the SSM team strategically placed the Mallakhamb pole in the central ground, where the coach showcased his skills daily. This display attracted students and made them aware of the existence of such a sport. It was at this juncture that many children began to join in, one of them being Krishna. The coach Vinod Baburao Vaghmare says, “In the field of Mallakhamb, gender differences dissolve; everyone is considered equal. We uphold the ‘guru-shishya parampara’ where older players impart knowledge to the younger ones, fostering a culture of collective learning.” Despite the absence of top-tier facilities available to those living in urban dwellings, the dedication and proficiency of these youngsters have propelled them forward.
Though Mallakhamb remains excluded from the Olympics and Asian Games, the recent inception of the Mallakhamb World Championship has garnered participation from 17 countries. Krishna aspires to compete on that stage. In January 2024, during his visit to Ujjain for the National-level Competition, he experienced his maiden train journey. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “It was my first time, and I felt exhilarated. Before the competition, I also visited the Mahakaal temple in Ujjain.” Despite being the youngest participant, Krishna quickly won the hearts of everyone. When asked about nervousness, he modestly replied, “No. Initially, I felt nervous knowing I was going so far for the nationals, but upon arrival, I felt calm and confident.”
Kishore Jhadhav rejoices in witnessing his child’s success after 7 years of unwavering dedication. However, he harbors bigger ambitions for Krishna, yearning to see him represent India someday. Simultaneously, he expresses, “My wife is not literate; she doesn’t grasp the significance of certificates of various levels. Yet, seeing Krishna being honored and his images coming in the newspaper brings immense joy to her.”
It takes a village to raise a child; likewise, it took an entire community to nurture a national-level player. Krishna’s steadfast determination, coupled with the support and infrastructure offered by SSM, the guidance of his coach through rigorous training, and the unwavering support of his family, have transformed a young boy from a humble village into an achiever with boundless aspirations.
