Forget cricket fever—Dadra and Nagar Haveli plus Daman and Diu are catching Mallakhamb mania, thanks to one man’s relentless drive. Shubham Mayer, the sport’s biggest advocate here, is scripting a success story that’s equal parts sweat and inspiration.
What is Mallakhamb? Imagine pole dancing on steroids, fused with yoga contortions and wrestling grips. This 800-year-old discipline sharpens core strength and mental focus. Mayer, who mastered it during his competitive days, saw untapped potential in the region’s fitness-savvy youth.
He kicked off in 2019 with pop-up sessions at beaches and community halls. Word spread like wildfire. From 20 participants, numbers surged to 350, spanning ages 8 to 25. Mayer trains them personally, customizing routines for beginners to pros. ‘It’s addictive,’ shares 16-year-old trainee Priya. ‘You feel like a superhero mid-flip.’
The momentum is tangible. Village panchayats fund equipment; hotels host demos for tourists. Social media reels of gravity-defying moves have racked up millions of views, positioning DNH-Diu as an emerging hub. Mayer’s next play: women’s leagues to shatter gender barriers.
Hurdles? Terrain is rugged, coaches scarce. Mayer counters with online tutorials and peer mentoring. Recent wins at zonal meets have locals buzzing. As he builds towards a dedicated stadium, Mayer’s vision extends beyond sport—to empowerment and identity. In Daman’s salty air, Mallakhamb isn’t just rising; it’s soaring.
