Mallakhamb Gymnasts
India
Mallakhamb, a form of gymnastics, is an ancient Indian artform and sport that can be traced to the 12th Century. It requires performers to turn, twist, stretch and balance high up on a pole or rope. Training generally begins at around the age of five, with participants becoming expert and nationally-recognised at around the age of ten. The complexities of this demanding activity will be demonstrated at WOMADelaide by gymnasts from the Pune Sports Academy – among them winners of the prestigious annual Shiv Chhatrapati Awards for exceptional athletes - and viewers are sure to be astounded!