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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is planning on including sports such as Baseball and softball into the Olympic Sports list. Such inclusions will open up avenues for sports, which are region specific, but have the potential to go global.Apart from gifting the world sports such as badminton and Polo, India has a rich history of indigenous sports being played in different pockets, across the country.The ‘Rural Olympics’, which is held in Punjab every year also showcases these sports on the national level. From patience to skill, all these sports require different skill sets like mainstream sport to perform well in.So, here a five Indian sports that could be included in the Olympics.
#1 Mallakhamb
This particular sport can most definitely be included under Gymnastics at the Olympics. The word’s literal translation means ‘pole-gymnastics’. A male-dominated sport, it is practised in villages during carnivals.
However, the past few years has seen a competitive scene develop for the sport. The Malkhamb Federation of India officially governs the sport in the country. You would be surprised to know that all 29 states had fielded a team at the last national Championship.
Originating in Maharashtra, Mallakhamb has four different categories – Under-12, Under-14, Under -18(Men and Women) and above-18.
India would be hot favourites for the title.
#2 Kite-fighting
Kite Flying or fighting as it is known in the competitive realm has a cultural significance with India. Every kid has at some point practiced kite-flying. The Western state of Gujarat has embraced it to the extent that they even have an International festival.
However, it’s about time the Olympics realises the potential of the sport. Kite-flying as an activity is not only restricted to India. Even countries such as China and South Korea have a thriving kite-flying culture.
As a competitive sport one has to cut off the strings of the opponents kite. Definitely several medals in-store for India.
#3 Kho-kho
One of the more popular sports on the list, Kho-kho as a sport is the perfect combination of skill, speed, agility and patience, it is also very popular amongst kids.
The sport is governed by the Kho-kho federation of India (KKFI) and is a mainstay in the National Games calendar. It is said to have originated at the Pune Gymkhana in Mahrashtra.
The rules of the sport are simple – the match is played in two different innings by 12 out 15 player on each side. Nine players start the game and three are kept in reserve. One team plays the role of chasers and the others as runners. The chaser has to catch the runner in order to exclude him/her from the game.
Two innings are divided in to nine minutes and each team has to play two innings each
#4 Silambam
The sport is a weapon-based martial art, which originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu . However, it is also practiced in states such as Kerala, who call the ancient sport, kalaripayat.
The sticks used are made out of bamboo sticks, but also from teak at times. They are immersed in water and hardened by constant beating on running water. Metal tips are then installed on the edges to prevent it from damaging.
Often known for it’s technicality, the sport has been showcased by several foreign documentary film-makers. Silambam fencing was first brought about by the Pandya kings ruling the region in 2 A.D. Not only has the sport managed to stick around, but it’s also thriving.
Yet to be declared a national game, Silambam is played in almost every state in the country.
#5 Kabaddi
The arrival of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and World Kabaddi League has accentuated the commercial side of the sport. However, the sports which originated in India has spread across the globe.
PKL saw players from South Korea and Iran ply their trade in India. The story of Jairo Chavez, an American kabaddi player has been doing the rounds on the internet as well. At this unique point of globalisation for kabaddi, the IOC should take a look at the sport.
A mainstay at the Asian Games countries apart from India countries like Iran, Pakistan and South Korea have shown that the sport is growing every day. The sport is also easily accessible as it doesn’t require much infrastructure to play.
This should be India’s best bet for the Olympics.
