Mardani Sports Federation India expands to Himachal, forms association

Ghanshyam Sharma is association president, Dr Rajeev Niryal gen secy, Sunita Devi vice-president

Sunil Chadha
Jawalamukhi: Mardani Sports Federation India, which is recognised by the Asian Mardani Sports Federation and the World Mardani Sports Federation, has officially expanded its presence to Himachal Pradesh.

Subhash Chand, a representative of Mardani Sports Federation India, presented the official recognition certificate of Mardani Sports Federation to Dr Rajeev Singh Niryal and extended his best wishes for the initiative.

Under the leadership of Mardani Sports Federation India’s president Dilip Singh and general secretary Santosh Khandare, the Himachal Pradesh Mardani Sports Association has been officially established.

The newly formed association has appointed Ghanshyam Sharma as president, Dr Rajeev Niryal as general secretary and Sunita Devi as vice-president. While Mardani sports have been played in other Indian states, this marks the first-ever introduction of the martial art in Himachal Pradesh.

Mardani sports to be included in Khelo India

Mardani sports, a traditional martial art of Maharashtra, is set to be included in the Khelo India initiative soon. The formation of the Himachal Pradesh association aims to promote this ancient self-defence technique across the state.
To achieve this, a special training camp is being organised at Springdale Convent Senior Secondary School, Jawali, where renowned coaches will train young athletes in Mardani martial arts.

According to Dr Rajeev Niryal, the Principal of Springdale Convent School, students selected from the state training camp will proceed to the India camp trials. Those who excel in the trials will get the opportunity to compete in the South Asian Games in Bhutan, representing India on an international platform.

Reviving a traditional martial art

Mardani sports, known as a traditional armed combat martial art created by the Marathas, focus on imparting battle skills and self-defence techniques.

Efforts are underway to include this ancient art in school games and university competitions under the Khelo India initiative. Through this initiative, athletes from across the country will have the opportunity to develop their combat skills and enhance self-defence capabilities.

Dr Rajendra, chairman of Springdale Convent School, and committee member Pawan Chaudhary congratulated Dr Rajeev Singh Niryal for this remarkable achievement. They emphasised that this milestone was not only a proud moment for the school but also a significant achievement for Jawali.

The initiative is expected to inspire young athletes and pave the way for the growth of Mardani sports in Himachal Pradesh.