Vadodara family tiring efforts for years to popularise Mallakhamb 

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Gives credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Mallakhamb gets entry in 36th National Games

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As Gujarat is scheduled to organise the 36th National games shortly, the introduction of Mallakhamb game brought smiles on the faces of Choksi family in Vadodara. The family is working hard for years to popularize the game of Mallakhamb and now gives training to the selected team from Gujarat which will compete in the national games.

Rahul Choksi, Secretary of Gujarat State Malkhambh Association gives his sweat and blood to bring the game to national platform which is once considered as the game of Rajwadas. He said the credit goes to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for included Malkhambh in the school games earlier and now in 36th National Games hosted by Gujarat.

“It’s a dream come true after the government decides to introduce Mallakhamb in the 36th National games after so many years. Players are excited to perform and compete with other players at a grand stage. As coach this is a gift to us for our efforts towards the for so many years,” said Rahul Choksi.

The family consists of Rahul Choksi his wife Sangeeta Choksi and two sons Jigar and Amit Choksi are continuously giving efforts to take this game to a grand stage and inspire the young generation to join.

Rahul used to visit the historical Jummadada Vyayamshala along with his father Kanahiyalal Choksi since his childhood days and developed a bonding with the game. At this age too he practiced Mallakhamb regulary and also train future players. 

His wife Sangeeta Choksi is a national refree of Mallakhamb National Tournament for last 17 years and also a manager of Gujarat women team. She also passed the Judging exam for Mallakhamb. This family tradition goes into their two sons who are equally devoted towards the game.

Elder one Jigar Choksi is accountant in a MNC company and gives time to the game. He is five times National Gold medalist in Yogasana and also won medals in Mallakhamb. Younger Amit is BE Electrical and also went to abroad for work during Covid era. However he is back to India and now wishes to continue with the game and popularise it. He too won medals in Mallakhamb and carries forward the family legacy. 

"Its a boost for the efforts of our parents after the game of Mallakhamb is included in National games. We get trained by our parents and play the game since childhood. We welcome the decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this help as it will inspire the players to move ahead in this game," said Jigar Choksi.

There are three gold medalists and three referees in one family. Rahul Choksi is also chosen as technical director in the 36th National Games by Mallakhamb Federation of India. The family daily follows the routine and visited the Vyayamshala to train players in Mallakhamb.