Malkhamb and Gymnastics Academy to Open in Ujjain, 90% MP Malkhamb Players from Here
On June 3, Madhya Pradesh’s Sports Department announced it is running 18 sports academies across four cities. The fifth city to join this list will be Ujjain, where the Malkhamb and Gymnastics Academy will start in July.
The multipurpose hall in Nanakheda, Ujjain, has been prepared as the training center for these academies. Both academies will begin their operations from here.
Initially, each academy will enroll 40 players. According to Sports Department Director Rakesh Gupta, preparations are underway to start these academies from July in Ujjain. Currently, there are 18 academies across four cities; after this, there will be 20 academies in five cities.
Existing Academies
- Jabalpur (Archery)
- Shivpuri (Girls Cricket)
- Gwalior (Girls Hockey and Badminton)
- Bhopal (Various sports)
The state academies provide free accommodation, food, education, and exposure facilities to players.
Training Center Ready
The multipurpose hall in Nanakheda is ready and suitable for indoor sports including Malkhamb. Alternative arrangements for players’ accommodation have been planned, says OP Harod, District Sports Officer, Ujjain.
Malkhamb: Medals Won by Ujjain Players
90% of the state’s Malkhamb players and coaches come from Ujjain. Recently, Ujjain players won medals for the state at the ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Uttarakhand National Games’.
Gymnastics: Initial Challenges
Gymnastics has limited presence in MP, mainly at TT Nagar Stadium in Bhopal. Due to fewer coaches and players, initially coaches and players might be brought from outside.