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Sindh Revives Malakhra: First Championship Since the 1990s Launches in Karachi

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 15:08 GMT by Geo Super

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Reviving a Lost Tradition: Sindh’s Malakhra Championship Kicks Off in Karachi

The Sindh province of Pakistan is on a mission to breathe new life into a cultural pastime that has almost vanished from its streets – Malakhra. This year, the province’s first Malakhra championship since the 1990s was launched in Karachi, drawing athletes, spectators, and policymakers alike to a vibrant celebration of heritage and sport.

What is Malakhra?

Malakhra is a traditional Sindhi sport that blends elements of kabaddi, wrestling, and martial arts. Teams of 12–15 players engage in a high‑intensity contest, attempting to score points by tackling opponents and executing swift, coordinated attacks. Historically, Malakhra matches were a staple of rural festivals, village gatherings, and local competitions, fostering community bonds and offering a platform for young men to showcase their agility and strategic thinking.

Over the past decades, Malakhra’s popularity has waned. The rise of modern sports such as cricket and football, coupled with a lack of institutional support, left the game largely confined to informal matches played in backyards. It is within this context that the Sindh government’s initiative to revive the sport is particularly meaningful.

The Championship: Structure and Highlights

The 2025 Sindhi Malakhra Championship, held at the iconic Karachi Gymkhana Club, featured twelve teams representing various districts of Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, and others. Matches were organized in a double‑round robin format, with the top four teams progressing to the semi‑finals, and the winners advancing to the final held on the evening of March 12, 2025.

Each team was required to adhere to strict registration protocols. Players had to be at least 18 years old and hold a Sindhi cultural heritage certificate issued by the Sindh Cultural Department. Coaches and support staff were also accredited, ensuring a professional and safe environment for athletes.

Key moments of the tournament included:

• The Opening Ceremony: Sindh’s Chief Minister, Syed Imran Ahmed, opened the event, emphasizing the role of sports in preserving cultural identity. He announced a Rs. 10 million investment to create a Malakhra training academy in Hyderabad.

• First‑Round Upsets: The “Hyderabad Thunder” team, a relatively new entrant, stunned the “Karachi Lions” by scoring an unexpected win in the opening round, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

• The Final Match: The championship climaxed with the “Larkana Warriors” defeating the “Sukkur Spartans” 3–2 in a nail‑biting finish. The Warriors’ star player, Ahmed “Mahi” Khan, was named the Most Valuable Player for his strategic passes and defensive prowess.

Government and Institutional Support

The revival effort is backed by multiple governmental bodies. The Sindh Sports Council, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, has pledged to allocate resources for the construction of dedicated Malakhra courts across all districts. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has integrated Malakhra into physical education curricula, offering school teams an avenue to compete at district and provincial levels.

A significant part of the initiative is the establishment of the Malakhra Academy, as announced by the Chief Minister during the opening ceremony. The academy, slated to open in 2026, will serve as a central hub for training, talent scouting, and research into the sport’s historical roots. It will also facilitate cultural exchanges, inviting experts from neighboring regions where similar sports exist.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the enthusiasm, the revival program faces obstacles. Critics argue that funding allocated to Malakhra could be better spent on mainstream sports or infrastructure projects. Others point out the need for a standardized rule set to prevent regional disparities. The Sindh Sports Council has responded by outlining a phased approach: initial pilot programs in two districts, followed by a nationwide roll‑out contingent on measurable outcomes such as increased participation rates and youth engagement.

Another hurdle is the scarcity of trained referees and officials familiar with Malakhra’s nuances. In response, the council has announced a refereeing certification course to be conducted at the Malakhra Academy, aimed at building a pool of qualified officials.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Reviving Malakhra is more than a sporting endeavor; it is a cultural renaissance. The sport’s popularity is anticipated to strengthen communal ties and pride in Sindhi heritage. Economically, the championship has already attracted sponsorships from local businesses, boosting the hospitality and tourism sectors during the event period. The potential for future televised matches and merchandise sales also offers a revenue stream that could support grassroots development.

The Sindh government’s strategy includes a multi‑channel media campaign to popularize Malakhra among urban youth. Plans are in place to create a digital platform showcasing training videos, match highlights, and player biographies, thereby bridging the gap between tradition and technology.

Looking Ahead

With the championship now concluded, the real test lies in sustaining momentum. The Malakhra Academy’s forthcoming operations will be a key indicator of success. The government’s commitment to building infrastructure, training coaches, and integrating the sport into schools suggests a long‑term vision.

Moreover, the success of the Karachi event sets a precedent for other provinces. The Sindh Cultural Department’s open call for other Pakistani regions to adopt similar revival projects could spark a nationwide resurgence of traditional sports such as Dandiya, Ghoomar, and Bhangra.

In conclusion, the Sindh Malakhra Championship marks a significant step toward preserving a vital piece of cultural heritage. By marrying tradition with institutional support and modern infrastructure, Sindh is carving a path for future generations to engage with their history through the universal language of sport. Whether Malakhra will secure its place in Pakistan’s sporting landscape remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm of players, officials, and fans alike suggests that the revival is well underway.