Mumbai: In the era of T20 cricket and soccer matches, traditional sports like Malkhamb can still be a good draw, if the response to a malkhamb competition held here on Sunday was an indication.

Sane Guruji Arya Vidya Mandir, Santacruz had teamed up with Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital (NSSH) to revive and popularize this ancient sport, once viewed as the fitness paradigm as it gives exercise to each part of the body.

More than 200 participants from 23 teams drawn from different schools in Mumbai participated in the competition, organised to create interest about the game among the youngsters.

“The very idea behind organizing a Malkhamb tournament was to ingrain a love for traditional sports in the present generation which is enamored by sports like cricket and football. NSSH has been instrumental in helping us organize this tournament. They have associated in every stage of this event which has been a huge success. Their support in terms of providing sponsorship for the tournament kits and the prizes has been an extremely valuable input and we wish to continue this association for the organization of more such tournaments in the future”, stated Yashwant Satam, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital employee, who was one of organizers of the tournament.

The tournament was organized in categories of under 12, under 14, under 16 and open 16 for girls and under 12, under 14, under 18 and open 18 for the boys. Girls and boys from the Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalay, Bandra, trained by Coach Vinayak Dhamne, emerged the toppers at the event. A unique feature of this competition was the participation of 35 players in the senior category who received special prizes for the skilled display of their talent.

Malkhamb is a traditional Indian sport requiring a gymnast to perform acrobatic feats or make poses with the help of a vertical wooden pole or rope.