Mumbai: Mumbai University (MU) on Thursday was urged by the Yuva Sena senate members to provide essential facilities and scholarships for its Mallakhamb athletes following their outstanding performances at national-level competitions. Yuva Sena leaders recently met with university officials to push for immediate action on long-pending demands.

“Mallakhamb, Maharashtra’s traditional sport, saw MU’s men's and women’s teams excel in the 2021-22 season, securing the championship title. In recognition of their achievement, they were felicitated by Shiv Sena leader and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray. At the event, coaches highlighted the need for better infrastructure and financial support for athletes,” said Pradeep Sawant, a Yuva Sena senate member.

“Responding to these concerns, Shiv Sena/Yuva Sena secretary and then MLA Varun Sardesai had previously led efforts to secure university-level support for the sport. However, with the tenure of the university Senate and senior officials ending before final approval, progress stalled,” Sawant added.

This year, a fresh appeal was made by athletes, prompting Yuva Sena leaders, including Senate members Pradeep Sawant, Shashikant Zore, Dr Dhanraj Kohchade, Kisan Sawant, Sneha Gawli (Management Council member), deputy leader Sheetal Sheth, Milind Sattam, and former Senate member Rajan Kolambekar, to meet with Dr Manoj Reddy, Director of Sports and Physical Education at MU.

They submitted a memorandum urging the university to provide immediate facilities for Mallakhamb training and introduce scholarships for deserving athletes. Additionally, they proposed a 10-year roadmap to enhance infrastructure, enabling MU athletes to compete at higher levels.

Dr Reddy assured a positive response, stating that necessary facilities would be made available soon.