'Need Broader Coaching Network'

Senior mallakhamb coach Ganesh Devrukhkar was recently honoured with the Dronacharya Award. In his interview with Sports Champ, he highlighted the necessity for a broader coaching network in mallakhamb

- MILLIND DHAMDHERE

The need for expert coaches in various sports, including Mallakhamb, is crucial for the development and propagation of these disciplines. Ganesh Devrukhkar’s insights highlight the necessity for a broader coaching network, akin to the successful efforts witnessed in sports like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.

His achievement of receiving the esteemed national Dronacharya award for senior coaches signifies his remarkable contributions and expertise in Mallakhamb. Notably, Devrukhkar stands as the fourth individual from the Mallakhamb community to be honoured with this prestigious award. His predecessors, Yogesh Malaviya (2020), Himani Parab (2021), and Sagar Ovhalkar (2022), have each left their mark in Mallakhamb, with Himani Parab and Sagar Ovhalkar previously receiving the award for their achievements as players.

This recognition not only celebrates the individual excellence of these coaches but also underscores the need for cultivating more such skilled mentors in Mallakhamb and other indigenous sports, fostering a legacy that continues to propel these disciplines forward.

Expanding Mallakhamb globally

Devrukhkar’s vision for expanding Mallakhamb globally is astute and promising. His emphasis on leveraging the expertise of Mallakhamb players settled in different countries to popularise the sport internationally is a strategic move. Their eagerness to promote the game abroad presents a unique opportunity for its global outreach.

“Many Mallakhamb players who have equally excelled in higher education are settled in different countries. They are eager to canvas our game in their countries. The only thing needed for such canvassing is a systematic coaching system,” he said.