Talented and raring to go

Though she is only eight years old,young Sonu Mandavliya has talent that belies her age.

Though she is only eight years old,young Sonu Mandavliya has talent that belies her age. Sonu is the youngest player in the All-India Mayor’s Trophy Mallkhamb Tournament which is taking place at the Baburao Sanas ground.

She hails from the small town of Kachrod in Madhya Pradesh,and studies in the third standard of the Sri Raj Rajan Vidya Mandir there.

Kachrod is an active hub for Mallkhamb,and is the first city in India where players can train free of cost,as all the expenses are taken care of by the association there.

She was introduced to this Indian gymnastic sport by her father,who is a former Mallkhamb player and the secretary of the Khakchok Vyayamshala,where she practices for three hours everyday under the guidance of Vikram Awardee Munnalal Mamodia. When asked why she got into Mallkhamb and what she likes about it,the young girl is momentarily confused. Mera favourite hai, she smiles shyly after thinking for some time. This is only her second tournament since she took up the sport a year ago.

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