From Climbing Trees to National Glory: DNH Tribal Kids Set to Rock ‘Khelo India 2026’ in Mallakhamb

A Heart-Touching Transformation: How 12 tribal children from the remote fields of Dadra and Nagar Haveli overcame extreme poverty to qualify for the prestigious Khelo India Beach Games 2026.

A powerful story of grit and determination is unfolding in the tribal heartlands of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH). Children who once spent their days performing risky stunts on tree branches and in muddy paddy fields are now professional athletes. They are officially representing the Union Territory in the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 through the traditional and physically demanding sport of Mallakhamb. This journey from rural landscapes to national stadiums has become a symbol of pride for the entire region.

The 2019 Struggle: No Mats, No Poles, Only Passion

The architect of this revolution is Coach Shubham Mer, who traveled from Nashik to the Shelti Gram Panchayat near Khanvel in 2019. Back then, the idea of professional sports was non-existent in these villages. Coach Shubham recalls the early days with deep emotion:

“When I started, we had absolutely nothing. There were no safety mats, no wooden poles, and no training gear. The children were so eager to learn that they practiced Mallakhamb on tree trunks and in harvested paddy fields. Their hunger for the sport was far greater than their lack of resources.”

For these children, most of whom belong to families struggling for daily survival, Mallakhamb was initially just a way to play. Today, it has become their gateway to a brighter future.

State-of-the-Art Support for Tribal Champions

The DNH administration, led by Joint Secretary of Sports Arun Gupta, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Recognizing that over 50% of the population is tribal, the government has invested heavily in grassroots talent:

• Khanvel Training Center: A dedicated, permanent hub for Mallakhamb training has been established.
• Residential Excellence: 75 high-performing tribal athletes are provided with 100% free boarding, lodging, and specialized nutrition.
• State Center of Excellence (Silvassa): While Mallakhamb thrives in Khanvel, Silvassa now hosts world-class facilities for Archery, Athletics, and Table Tennis to support other tribal stars.

DNH Powerhouse: 12 Athletes Headed for Khelo India 2026

The hard work has paid off. A elite squad of 6 boys and 6 girls has been selected to represent DNH at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026. This marks the first time these athletes will compete in a multi-sport national event of this magnitude. Coach Shubham believes this is just the beginning, as these children are now technically and physically on par with any top-tier state team.

Meet the Rising Stars:

• Kavya (12 years old): “I used to watch others climb and decided to try it in 7th grade. Now, I want to win a medal for my village at Khelo India.”
• Trisha (11 years old): The daughter of a local hotel cook, Trisha says, “My family has never seen a big stadium. I want to show the world what a girl from a small village can do on the Mallakhamb pole.”

Beyond the Sport: A Social Revolution

Mallakhamb has provided these children with more than just physical strength; it has given them a sense of identity and purpose. The transition from tree-climbing to masterfully maneuvering on oiled wooden poles with professional precision is a testament to the DNH sports model.

At a Glance: The DNH Mallakhamb Success Story

This inspiring shift from “Trees to Trophies” is a clear message to the world: with the right coaching and administrative support, even the most marginalized communities can reach the pinnacle of national sports.

#DNHMallakhamb2026 #KheloIndia2026 #TribalAthletes #KhanvelPride #MallakhambRevolution #DadraNagarHaveli #SportsTransformation #GrassrootsToGlory #KheloIndiaBeachGames

📌 Note:
This article is published on OurVapi.com The information presented is based on public sources, local inputs, field observations, and the author’s independent assessment. It is intended to be useful primarily for readers from Vapi, Valsad, Umbergaon, Sarigam, Bhilad, Silvassa, Daman, and nearby regions.

The core objective of OurVapi.com is to deliver accurate, useful, factual, and verified information with a strong focus on local news, public awareness, culture, lifestyle, and community-related topics.

If you found this article helpful, please share it and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Stay connected with OurVapi.com for reliable local news, updates, and community-focused content.