Rhythmic gymnastics is a recognised sport, but is comparatively a new discipline in India. While it is extremely popular in the Olympics, during a short period of time, Mumbai gymnasts have achieved expertise and participated in events at the international level.
Oblivious to many in the vicinity, at Dadar, children as young as three can enrol for the rhythmic gymnastics workshops. Varsha Upadhye has been associated with rhythmic gymnastics for last 35 years, first as a player and recently as a judge and coach. “Since I was seven, I have been learning gymnastics, rope malkhamb and yoga from Shree Samarth Vyayam Mandir at Dadar. In 1989-90, I received the Shiv Chhattrapati award by the Maharashtra state. I have played the sport at state level and since 1998, I have started coaching and judging,” said Varsha Upadhye.
Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance and graceful movements. “After participating in many international events as a judge and coach, I realised the importance of early training for rhythmic gymnastics in India, which inspired me to first start a gymnastics academy in Kabaddi Association at Shivaji Park,” informed Varsha.
Today there are a plethora of activity and co-curricular options available to children. But rhythmic gymnastics is something toddlers as young as three years can learn. “Most of the 40 students here are roughly in the age group of three - five years. In foreign countries before the age group of eight, children are advised to learn gymnastics and then select a sport of their choice. We need better awareness in Mumbai,” said Varsha.
Apart from various health benefits, gymnastics also help a great deal in building concentration, strength and stamina. In a way, it helps an athlete’s performance in other sports as well. Each training session consists of running, warming up, flexibility, stretching and ballet.
There is also apparatus work which consists of movements with a ball, ribbon, hoop and rope. All this help in achieving the total body fitness, co-ordination, sense of rhythm and confidence. “The response has been good so far and many want their children to enrol but travelling long distances is an issue for some wards. I have plans to start a new centre soon,” added Varsha.
The classes are conducted thrice in a week. Varsha is also working as a technical committee member with Asian Gymnastics Union and convener for Gymnastics Federation of India and the Maharashtra Gymnastics Association. Recently she has been appointed as the coach for the Commonwealth Games 2010 for rhythmic gymnastics.
Comments