Government To Promote Traditional Indian Sports With Jobs And Benefits For Players

Sports Minister Announces Annual State-Level Competitions And School-Level Mandates For Indigenous Games

Efforts by Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha have yielded results, as State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Manikrao Kokate has assured government-level action to grant jobs, benefits, and recognition to traditional Indian sports players. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Olympian Khashaba Jadhav Traditional Sports Mahakumbh and the unveiling of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Traditional Sports Ground at Kurla on 13 August 2025.

Speaking at the event, Kokate promised that state-level traditional sports competitions will be organised annually, inspired by the legacy of wrestling legend Khashaba Jadhav, India’s first individual Olympic medalist. He also revealed plans to hold discussions on making games like Langdi, rope skipping, and Lagori compulsory in primary schools, to revive physical activity among children in the digital era.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a written message, praised the initiative as a crucial step in reviving indigenous sports, which are a part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Lodha emphasised that such competitions should be institutionalised to provide official benefits to players, while Kokate noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s success in globalising yoga as an example of how traditional practices can gain worldwide recognition.

The event began with dhol and lezim performances and featured demonstrations of lathi-kathi, mallakhamb, and sword fighting. Ranjit Jadhav, son of Khashaba Jadhav, lauded the Mahakumbh for drawing youth toward traditional games. The competition, running until 22 August, will see 20,000 participants competing in 18 indigenous sports.