Traditional sports of India were showcased as an exhibition alongside the 1936 Summer Olympics. It is known that the sports of kabaddi, kho kho and mallakhamba were demonstrated.[1][2] A 35-member contingent from the Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM) physical education institute demonstrated the events, and were not considered part of the official Indian team.[1][3] The sports' inclusion was spearheaded by HVPM Vice President Dr. Siddhanath Kane, who successfully lobbied Olympic organizer Carl Diem for permission to exhibit them.[1][4] Indian physical culture practices such as lezim and yoga were also performed.[5]
The sports were not recognized as official demonstration sports by the International Olympic Committee.[6] However, the contingent were awarded an honorary medal by Adolf Hitler, who was said to have been impressed by the displays.[4][7][8]
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