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AMRAVATI

Sports & Games

Last updated on 21 July 2025. Help us improve the information on this page by clicking on suggest edits or writing to us.

Traditional Games

Lathi

An ancient combat sport using bamboo sticks for attack and defense. It emphasizes mind-body coordination and can be performed individually or in groups. Various martial arts academies in Amravati, such as the Warriors Sports & Martial Arts Academy, offer dedicated training in Lathi. These institutions focus on teaching techniques that improve agility, strength, and coordination among practitioners. Regular classes provide opportunities for students to learn both basic and advanced skills in Lathi combat.

Lezim

Lezim is a dance originating from Maharashtra, also known as lazium or lezium. This dance form is characterized by its rhythmic movements and the use of a unique musical instrument called the Lezim, which consists of a wooden stick with jingling cymbals attached. Traditionally, Lezim was performed during festivals, particularly the Ganesh Chaturti, and has roots tracing back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji, where it was initially a sport aimed at building strength.

The performance typically involves a group of dancers, often men, who execute various movements such as stepping, hopping, and squatting in synchrony. The dance can be quite vigorous and is frequently used as a fitness drill in schools across Maharashtra.[1]
The performance typically involves a group of dancers, often men, who execute various movements such as stepping, hopping, and squatting in synchrony. The dance can be quite vigorous and is frequently used as a fitness drill in schools across Maharashtra.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lezim

Competitive Sports

Kushti (Wrestling)

Kushti (Wrestling) Traditional Indian wrestling performed in red soil pits. It focuses on building muscular strength, agility, balance, and flexibility through intense workouts.

The Amravati District Mallakhamb Organisation actively promotes Kushti by organizing competitions at various levels for both boys and girls. These events help in identifying and nurturing talent for state and national levels.[2]
The Amravati District Mallakhamb Organisation actively promotes Kushti by organizing competitions at various levels for both boys and girls. These events help in identifying and nurturing talent for state and national levels.https://hvpm.org/iks.php

Several akhadas (wrestling schools) in Amravati provide training in Kushti, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive. Regular practice sessions are held, focusing on traditional exercises like Dands (push-ups) and Bethaks (squats), which are essential for wrestlers to develop their physical capabilities.

Mallakhamb Competitions

Mallakhamb competitions in Amravati feature various categories that highlight the unique skills of athletes in this traditional Indian sport. The competitions primarily include:

  • Pole Mallakhamb: Athletes perform acrobatic moves and poses on a vertical wooden pole, showcasing strength, flexibility, and balance.
  • Rope Mallakhamb: This involves performing techniques while suspended from a rope, emphasizing agility and coordination.
  • Hanging Mallakhamb: Competitors demonstrate their skills while hanging from a horizontal bar or similar apparatus, focusing on upper body strength and control.

Athletes from Amravati have been actively participating in various competitions, including the Khelo India Youth Games, where they have achieved notable success. For instance, Maharashtra's Mallakhamb performers secured multiple medals in recent events, underscoring the state's dominance in this sport.

Sport Personalities

Arham Khan and Zafar Khan

Arham Khan is a versatile Indian artist born in Amravati, Maharashtra. He is recognized for his multifaceted talents as a Google Product Expert, athlete, singer, musician, and actor. Arham has gained prominence for reviewing Google products and providing valuable feedback during their testing phases. His father, Zafar Khan, was a sports teacher and the founder of Black Commando Martial Arts in Amravati, which influenced Arham's early interest in martial arts and sports. Alongside his passion for athletics, he has been actively involved in music since childhood, producing remixes and original songs across various genres.

Sports Infrastructure

Shri Hanuman Vyam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM)

Shri Hanuman Vyam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM) was founded in 1914 by Guruvarya Ambadaspant Vaidya and Shree Anant Krushna Vaidya during British rule. Their aim was to strengthen Indian youth and foster patriotism through traditional physical training. The institution teaches traditional Indian exercises including Dandabaithka, Wrestling, Mallakhamb, and weapons training like Lathi and Dhal-Talwar. They offer structured courses - Vyayam Pravesh, Vyayam Patu, and Vyayam Visharad - to preserve these ancient practices.

HVPM continues its legacy through daily training sessions and modern initiatives like World Yoga Day, which draws thousands of participants annually. The institution remains dedicated to promoting physical wellness while preserving India's traditional sports heritage.

Divisional Sports Complex

This complex includes courts for tennis, basketball, kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball, providing ample opportunities for training and competition. With amenities such as hostels for athletes, a canteen, and administrative support, the complex is designed to cater to both local athletes and those participating in larger events. Future developments, including an indoor hall and a 400-meter running track, are set to enhance the training environment even further.

Shri Shivaji Science College

Shri Shivaji Science College in Amravati offers a wide range of indoor sports facilities to support student athletics. These include dedicated spaces for table tennis, badminton, chess, yoga, and judo. The college's Department of Physical Education organizes regular training sessions and competitions, fostering skill development and a competitive spirit among students.

In addition to indoor facilities, the college boasts extensive outdoor sports amenities. These include a basketball court with floodlights, fields for softball, baseball, cricket, and lawn tennis, as well as courts for kabaddi, kho-kho, and handball. Additional offerings include facilities for volleyball, archery, and sepaktakraw. The college also features a well-equipped gymnasium and a swimming tank. Collaborations with local sports organizations provide students with quality coaching and opportunities to participate in state and national competitions, promoting their overall development through sports.

Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Mohan Sharma (born 22 October 1993 in Amravati, Maharashtra) is an Indian wicket-keeper-batsman who plays for Vidarbha in domestic cricket. He made his IPL debut in 2022 after being bought by Punjab Kings. He is known for his role as a finisher, coming in lower down the order (batting around No. 6–7) and hitting at high strike rates.  Over the IPL seasons, he’s impressed with explosive batting and match-changing cameos. In 2023-25, he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has continued to build his reputation. He has also made his international debut in T20Is in 2023.

Territorial Army Parade Ground

The Territorial Army Parade Ground in Amravati, formerly known as the Reforms Club Ground, is a multi-purpose stadium primarily used for cricket and football matches. Established in 1958, it has a rich history, having hosted its first recorded cricket match that year. Owned and managed by the Territorial Army, this ground serves as a key venue for various sporting events and activities.[3]
The Territorial Army Parade Ground in Amravati, formerly known as the Reforms Club Ground, is a multi-purpose stadium primarily used for cricket and football matches. Established in 1958, it has a rich history, having hosted its first recorded cricket match that year. Owned and managed by the Territorial Army, this ground serves as a key venue for various sporting events and activities.https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds…

Notably, the ground hosted a Ranji Trophy match in 1976, featuring the Vidarbha cricket team against the Rajasthan cricket team. In addition to cricket, the facility supports other sports organized by the Territorial Army, including football and volleyball. The Parade Ground continues to be an important site for local sports events, contributing to the athletic culture in Amravati.

Sources

HVPM. Traditional Sports and Games. HVPM, Maharashtra.https://hvpm.org/traditional-sports-and-game…

New Indian Express. 2024. For the Love of Mallakhamb. New Indian Express.https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2024/…

Shivaji Science College. Details of Criteria 4.1.2 (2021-22). Shivaji Science College, Amravati.https://shivajiscamt.org/aqar2122/412details…

Wikipedia. Amravati - Sports. Wikipedia.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amravati#Sports

Wikipedia. Lezim. Wikipedia.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lezim

Last updated on 21 July 2025. Help us improve the information on this page by clicking on suggest edits or writing to us.