Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Mallakhamb Empowers Tribal Youth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
In the tribal areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, a traditional sport called Mallakhamb is helping young people gain confidence and new opportunities.
Coach Shubham Mair started teaching this sport to children who had never heard of it before.
At first, they trained in fields and on bare ground with no equipment.
But with support from the government, they now have better training facilities.
Many children, like Kavya and Trusha, are discovering their potential through Mallakhamb.
The sport is helping them believe in themselves and dream big.
However, there are still challenges, like not having enough female coaches to train girls.
Despite this, the community is working hard to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed.
Mallakhamb is transforming the lives of tribal youth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu by building confidence and providing new opportunities.
Coach Shubham Mair started training children in 2019-20 with minimal resources, initially using fields and bare ground for practice.
Government support has led to the establishment of a permanent Mallakhamb training centre in Khanvel and a Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Silvassa.
Six boys and six girls from the region are participating in the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, gaining exposure and confidence.
Challenges include the lack of female coaches, which limits girls' participation in the sport.
- Who
- Tribal youth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Coach Shubham Mair, and Arun Gupta, Joint Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports
- What
- Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, is being used to build confidence and identity among tribal youth
- When
- The movement began around 2019-20 with Shubham Mair's arrival and has continued to grow
- Where
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, with a focus on Khanvel and Silvassa
- Why
- To provide opportunities, build confidence, and create structured pathways for young talent from remote regions
- Location
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- Coach
- Shubham Mair
- Training Centre
- Mallakhamb Academy, Shelti village
- Athletes
- 6 boys and 6 girls at Khelo India Beach Games 2026
- Key Figures
- Arun Gupta, Joint Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Challenges
- Lack of women coaches, limited resources