Mumbai is all set to celebrate India’s indigenous games with the Khashaba Jadhav Paramparik Krida Mahakumbha, a grand sporting festival aimed at reviving traditional sports. Organised in memory of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, the event is spearheaded by Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and supported by the Maharashtra Government’s Sports and Youth Department and the Mumbai City District Sports Council.
The festival will be held from August 13 to 22 at the Jam Saheb Mukadam Government ITI Grounds in Kurla, with various competitions spread across multiple venues including Cooperage Ground, Naigaon Police Ground, Priyadarshini Park, and Andheri Sports Complex. Over 5,000 athletes are expected to participate.
Named after Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, India’s first individual Olympic medallist, the event showcases a wide range of sports such as:
- Kabaddi
- Kho-Kho
- Wrestling
- Malkhamb
- Tug of War
- Lagori
- Lezim
- Fugdi
- Viti Dandu
- Arm Wrestling
- Pawankhind Sprint
- Rope Skipping
- Yoga
Traditional martial arts from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will also be demonstrated.
Competitions are open to Under-14, Under-17, and Open categories, with winners progressing to divisional-level championships. The opening ceremony at Cooperage Ground on August 13 will feature exhibition matches in malkhamb and tug of war.
Minister Lodha noted that these games are more than physical activities — they reflect India’s cultural soul. He emphasised the importance of introducing these sports to the younger generation, as many have been lost over time.
Krida Bharati is managing registrations, and several schools, colleges, and ITIs have already signed up. The event aims to scout emerging talent while reviving long-forgotten sports in a festive, inclusive environment.
With strong logistical backing and widespread enthusiasm among youth, the Khashaba Jadhav Krida Mahakumbha is set to reignite Mumbai’s passion for traditional Indian games.
