KIBG 2025: STF Officer Manoj Prasad’s Mallakhamb Academy Transforms Tribal Lives In Bastar

Deep in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport, continues to thrive against the odds. The inspiring journey of Manoj Prasad and his protege Rakesh Kumar Varda stands as a powerful testament to how sports can ignite social change and bring hope to the Naxal-affected regions of central India. (More Sports News)

Their story highlights the strength of community and culture to transform lives.

Manoj Prasad, a Special Task Force (STF) officer, runs the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy in Narayanpur. The academy uniquely enrolls children from tribal communities, many from marginalized backgrounds. Prasad acts as a father figure, covering all expenses, from accommodation to meals and training equipment, to support their growth.

Among his trainees is 15-year-old Rakesh Kumar Varda, who has made a mark at the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG), where mallakhamb is featured as a demonstration sport. Rakesh’s gold medal win, though not counted in the official medal tally, symbolizes his excellence and determination.

Ten trainees from Prasad’s academy competed at KIBG, with Diu providing these young athletes a rare window to the world beyond their remote villages.

Hailing from Kutul, a tribal village in the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur, Rakesh is the only youngster from his area practicing mallakhamb. Since starting at the age of eight under Prasad’s guidance, he has amassed over 30 medals at national and state-level events. His recent haul includes four medals (one silver and three bronze) at the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar.

Rakesh’s achievements are impressive: in 2022, he set a Limca Book of Records entry for the longest handstand on a Mallakhamb pole, holding it for 1 minute and 6 seconds at the All India Handstand Championship. In 2023, he and his team from the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy won India’s Got Talent Season 10.

His medal cabinet also includes bronzes at the National Games in Gujarat and Goa, as well as multiple medals at the Khelo India Youth Games in Ujjain and Panchkula.

Despite his success, Rakesh has faced personal hardships. Shortly after returning from the Gujarat National Games, his mother passed away. Due to poor communication in his remote village, he learned the tragic news two days later. Yet, Rakesh remains focused on his goal: “My aim is to contribute to the development of my region and preserve the culture of my ancestors for future generations,” he told Media.

Manoj Prasad’s dedication has been crucial in keeping this sport alive in a region where mainstream attention is rare. “Supporting the daily needs of 25 children is no small task,” Prasad said, “but seeing their progress has encouraged senior police and administrative officials to assist us, along with many local people. The secretary of the Chhattisgarh Mallakhamb Sangh, Rajkumar Sharma, has been especially supportive.”

Prasad brings tribal children aged 5 to 15 from various villages to his academy, taking care of both their education and sporting needs. “These children come from illiterate families with no steady income.

I want to help them enter mainstream society by nurturing their talents so they can secure jobs and lead better lives. I’m all they have,” he said, speaking with heartfelt emotion.

Looking ahead, Prasad praised the Khelo India Beach Games initiative for including mallakhamb and expressed excitement over the government’s recent announcement to organize Tribal Games.

“Integrating tribal communities into the mainstream is vital for India’s growth as a global power. I truly believe sports have the power to make this transformation happen.”