New Delhi, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gujarat athletes Diya Rawal and Devvrat Pandya are setting their sights on more national titles after winning multiple medals at the Shri Sitaram Gupta Memorial All India Mallakhamb Championship 2026, held recently in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
Both athletes delivered impressive performances in their respective age categories, earning recognition for their achievements at the national-level competition.
Speaking about her performance, Diya said, “I participated in the Under-16 category at the Jhansi Mallakhamb competition. I won a silver medal in the team championship and a bronze medal in the individual event.”
Devvrat said, “I went to compete in the national championship held in Jhansi, where our team won the gold medal, and I secured a silver medal in the individual event.”
Representing Vadodara, Diya won silver in the team championship and bronze in the individual event in the Under-16 girls’ category. The championship was held from September 27 to 29. Devvrat secured gold in the team championship and silver in the individual event in the Under-18 boys’ category.
Gujarat State Mallakhamb Association secretary Rahul Choksi said the association had provided the athletes with additional practice time and training opportunities to help them excel at the national level.
“After the children were selected, they were given more time to practise so that they could perform better at the national level. On behalf of the association, we provided them with training at different places and extended all possible support to help these children deliver an impressive performance at the national level,” Choksi said.
The achievements of Diya and Devvrat have brought pride to their families. Their parents credited the facilities, encouragement and sporting opportunities available in Gujarat with helping young athletes showcase their abilities and bring recognition to the state at national and international levels.
Diya’s mother, Pallavi Rawal, said her daughter had made significant progress in Mallakhamb since taking up the sport at school.
“Diya started playing Mallakhamb in Class 6, and today she is making very good progress in the sport. She has participated in six to eight national competitions so far, and we are very happy with her performance,” she said.
Devvrat’s father, Vipul Kumar Pandya, highlighted the contribution of sporting initiatives in creating opportunities for young athletes.
“There has been considerable development in the field of sports. Initiatives and competitions such as Khelo India, Khelega Gujarat, Jitega Gujarat, and Khel Mahakumbh have been introduced, giving athletes better opportunities to showcase their talent and progress,” he said.
The championship featured teams from 14 states, with Gujarat winning medals in several team categories alongside the individual achievements of Diya and Devvrat.
Gujarat secured gold medals in the Under-19 boys’ and Under-14 girls’ team categories. The state’s Under-16 girls’ team won silver, while the Under-14 boys’ team claimed bronze.
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