A participant practices "Mallakhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during a practice session for the upcoming competition to promote the sport, in Ahmedabad, India, January 28, 2019. REUTERS/Amit Dave TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A participant practices "Mallakhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during a practice session for the upcoming competition to promote the sport, in Ahmedabad, India, January 28, 2019. REUTERS/Amit Dave 

A participant practices "Mallakhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) while suspended from a rope during a practice session for the upcoming competition to promote the sport, in Ahmedabad, India, January 28, 2019. REUTERS/Amit Dave 

A participant practices "Mallakhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during a practice session for the upcoming competition to promote the sport, in Ahmedabad, India, January 28, 2019. REUTERS/Amit Dave 

An Indian army soldier performs "Malkhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during an awareness programme to attract youth in joining the armed forces on the eve of India's Republic Day at Gandhinagar, in the western state of Gujarat, India, January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Amit Dave TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Boys practice "Malkhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during a rehearsal for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra, or chariot procession, in Ahmedabad, India, July 5, 2015. Hindu devotee perform various stunts including Malkhamb as part of the annual Rath Yatra celebrations which commemorates a journey by Hindu god Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, in specially made chariots. The annual Rath Yatra is celebrated on July 18. REUTERS/Amit Dave

A boy performs Mallakhamb on a pole during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai June 3, 2014. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

An army soldier spits fire while performing Mallakhamb on a pole during India's 67th Independence Day celebrations in the southern Indian city of Bangalore August 15, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer (INDIA - Tags: MILITARY SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY) 

A boy carries a bucket of powder and a bottle of castor oil, both of which are used to increase friction, during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, November 3, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy carries a gymnastic mattress during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, November 3, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy sits on top of a mattress as he watches others perform during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 31, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy performs a Mallakhamb pose on a pole as others watch at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 21, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

Girls practise a Mallakhamb "pyramid" pose in the shape of a crown while suspended at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy helps another stretch on a mat as they warm up before a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 31, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy walks under a statue of Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, founder of the modern version of Mallakhamb, before a class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 31, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 31, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy hangs from a bar during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 22, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 22, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

An instructor watches children performing during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, November 3, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on November 3, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

Girls practise a Mallakhamb pose while suspended from a rope at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy stretches while waiting for his instructor during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 22, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 22, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

Boys line up before performing Mallakhamb at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 21, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 21, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy runs on a manually operated treadmill to warm up as another practises handstands before a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 31, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 31, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A girl practises a Mallakhamb pose while suspended from a rope at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A girl practises a Mallakhamb pose while suspended from a rope at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A girl with painted fingernails holds onto a rope before performing a Mallakhamb pose at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A girl practises a Mallakhamb pose while suspended from a rope at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A group of girls hang from parallel bars during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 31, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 31, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy performs a Mallakhamb pose on a pole as others watch at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 21, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 21, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

Boys laugh during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, November 3, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on November 3, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A group of boys prepare to set up a Mallakhamb pole during a class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, November 3, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on November 3, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A girl practises a Mallakhamb pose while suspended from a rope at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 19, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 19, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A boy with powder applied on his hands grabs onto a Mallakhamb pole during a Mallakhamb class at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 21, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body, but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 21, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY) 

A boy performs a Mallakhamb pose on a pole at the Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir in Mumbai, October 21, 2012. Mallakhamb is an ancient Indian sport which originated as a complementary exercise for wrestling, but is now practised as a sport in itself. The name is a combination of the words "malla", which means athlete or strong man, and "khamba", which means pole. Athletes perform a variety of yogic and gymnastic poses while suspended from a rope or on a pole. Practitioners say that the sport not only develops a healthy and strong body , but also strengthens willpower and helps compose the mind. Picture taken on October 21, 2012. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: SPORT SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Indian army soldiers perform "Malkhamb" (traditional Indian gymnastics) during a two-day army exhibition in the northern Indian city of Allahabad October 21, 2012. Malkhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. REUTERS/Jitendra Prakash (INDIA - Tags: MILITARY SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SPORT) 

Girls perform on ropes while learning the rope version of Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A girl hangs while learning the rope version of Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Girls smile during a break from learning the rope version of Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man performs Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A girl hangs while learning the rope version of Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A boy performs Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man performs Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Gymnasts perform Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

A man performs Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A boy performs Mallakhamb (gymnast's pole) during a practice session at a playground in Mumbai September 13, 2010. Mallakhamb is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and it can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport has been dormant but is now regaining popularity in the country. This old sport helps one to be more agile, improves mind and body coordination as well as overall fitness. The group will perform during the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, according to their coach. Picture taken September 13, 2010. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: SPORT HEALTH SOCIETY) 

Cadets from the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) practise Mallakhamb during a passing out parade ceremony on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Hyderabad October 18, 2007. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder (INDIA) 

Cadets from the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) practise Mallakhamb during a passing out parade ceremony on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Hyderabad October 18, 2007. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder (INDIA) 

Cadets from the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) practise Mallakhamb during a passing out parade ceremony on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Hyderabad March 29, 2007. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder (INDIA) 

Commandants from the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) practise mallakhamb during a passing out parade ceremony on the outskirts of the southern Indian city of Hyderabad October 10, 2006. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder (INDIA) 

Indian soldiers practise Mallakhamb, an ancient form of Indian Gymnastics, during a rehearsal of the 'Know your Army' exhibition in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad November 16, 2005. The exhibition will be opened to the public from November 19 to November 21. REUTERS/Amit Dave ODLY PP05110212 

An Indian soldier practises Mallakhamb during a rehearsal of the "Know your Army" exhibition in the southern Indian city of Bangalore May 5, 2005. The exhibition will be opened to the public from May 6 to May 8. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Jagadeesh Nv VM/CCK 

Indian soldiers practise Mallakhamb during a rehearsal of the "Know your Army" exhibition in the southern Indian city of Bangalore May 5, 2005. The exhibition will be opened to the public from May 6 to May 8. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Jagadeesh Nv VM//CCK/CN 

An Indian soldier practises Mallakhamb during a rehearsal of the "Know your Army" exhibition in the southern Indian city of Bangalore May 5, 2005. The exhibition will be opened to the public from May 6 to May 8. Mallakhamb is a traditional sport that is practised on a wooden pole. REUTERS/Jagadeesh Nv Pictures of the month May 2005 VM/CCK/CN 

Indian boys watch a fellow trainee practise pole 'mallakhamb' at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. As well as improving all round fitness, the centuries-old sport helps increase agility, improves mind and body co-ordination and builds muscle. It has become a fashionable leisure pursuit in both Delhi and Bombay. 

An Indian girl learns the rope version of 'mallakhamb' at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. As well as improving all round fitness, the centuries-old sport helps increase agility, improves mind and body co-ordination and builds muscle. It has become a fashionable leisure pursuit in both Delhi and Bombay. 

An Indian girl learns the rope version of 'mallakhamb' as other students await their turn at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. As well as improving all round fitness, the centuries-old sport helps increase agility, improves mind and body co-ordination and builds muscle. It has become a fashionable leisure pursuit in both Delhi and Bombay. 

An Indian girl learns the rope version of 'mallakhamb' as other students await their turn at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. As well as improving all round fitness, the centuries-old sport helps increase agility, improves mind and body co-ordination and builds muscle. It has become a fashionable leisure pursuit in both Delhi and Bombay. 

An Indian boy practises pole 'mallakhamb' at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. As well as improving all round fitness, the centuries-old sport helps increase agility, improves mind and body co-ordination and builds muscle. It has become a fashionable leisure pursuit in both Delhi and Bombay. 

An instructor (hand partially seen) guides a student during lessons on the rope version of "Mallakhmab" (gymnast's pole) at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. "Mallakhamb" is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries the the sport lay dormant but is regaining popularity in the country. 

Indian boys stand in line while they wait for their turn to learn "Mallakhmab" (gymnast's pole) at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. "Mallakhamb" is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries the the sport lay dormant but is regaining popularity in the country. 

An instructor (hand partially seen) guides a female student to learn the rope version of "Mallakhmab" (gymnast's pole) at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004. "Mallakhamb" is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries the the sport lay dormant but is regaining popularity in the country. 

An Indian girl trains as other students await their turn to learn the rope version of "Mallakhmab" (gymnast's pole) at a training centre in Bombay September 26, 2004."Mallakhamb" is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts and can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries the the sport lay dormant but is regaining popularity in the country.