Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927u ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927t ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927s ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927r ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927q ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927p ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927o ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927n ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927m ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927l ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927k ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927j ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927i ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927h ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927g ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927f ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927e ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927d ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927c ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CHI-Photo/Tom Parker / Rex Features ( 1147927b ) Mallakhamb being practised at the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Mumbai, India - 15 Mar 2010 POLE POSITION FOR BLIND SCHOOLBOYS IN INDIA Balanced on top of a pole standing on his head, the young man displays his amazing balance and athletic ability. Around him his fellow school pupils contort their bodies into an eye-watering variety of shapes as they practice the traditional Indian sport of Mallakhamb. What makes their display of gymnastics even more impressive is the fact that each and every one of them is visually impaired. The sport of Mallakhamb originated in the 17th century as a form of exercise for wrestlers in Maharastra, India. "Malla" means wrestler and "khamb" means pole and the practice involves the use of a 2.6m high teak or sheesham wood pole. Practitioners of Mallakhamb use this pole, which has a circumference of 55cm at the base, gradually tapering to 35cm at the top, to perform different gymnastic poses and feats. In the last 20 years the sport has seen something of a renaissance in India, though it is yet to be recognised by the government as a national sport. One of the key figures behind its growth is head coach Uday Deshpande, who has taken teams to compete in international Mallakhamb contests in Mexico, Singapore and Germany. Under his guidance the sport has now also been taken up at three of Mumbai's schools for the blind, including the prestigious Victoria Memorial School for the Blind. "Mallakhamb lends itself perfectly to visually impaired athletes. It is more about feeling and understanding the strength and balance of your body," Mr Deshpande comments. "Blind children in India aren't given the chance in sports arena, but as you can see with Mallakhamb they're equally as good as those with 20:20 vision". MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: CHI-Photo ... For more information visit http://www.rexfeatures.com/stacklink/EKYUXGJLZ