In a proud moment for Gujarat and India, Shauryajit Ranjitkumar Khaire, a 10-year-old Mallakhamb sensation from Vadodara, has been awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2023 in the Sports category. The award, India’s highest civilian honour for children, was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Shauryajit gained national recognition when he became the youngest medallist at the 36th National Games held in Gujarat in 2022. He secured a bronze medal in the Pole Mallakhamb Open category, stunning spectators with his agility, balance, and strength at such a young age.
What made his achievement even more remarkable was the personal loss he endured during the competition. Just hours after his father’s sudden demise, Shauryajit returned to Vadodara to perform the last rites and then flew back to rejoin the competition, showcasing immense resilience and determination beyond his years.
His story moved the nation, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his courage and dedication, calling him an inspiration for all.
Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport that combines gymnastic postures and wrestling grips on a vertical wooden pole, has seen a resurgence thanks to young champions like Shauryajit. He has been training rigorously and hopes to one day represent India at the global level.
At just 10, Shauryajit’s name now stands alongside India’s brightest young achievers. The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar includes a medal, a certificate of recognition, and a ₹1 lakh cash award, symbolising the nation’s appreciation for extraordinary talent and perseverance.
- Shauryajit’s achievement shines a spotlight on Mallakhamb, a sport that blends tradition with athleticism.
- His mental fortitude in the face of adversity has made him a national icon of strength, discipline, and dedication.
- He inspires young athletes across India to believe that age is no barrier when it comes to chasing greatness.
Congratulations to Shauryajit Khaire — Gujarat’s youngest sports hero and a future flagbearer of Indian traditional sports!
