Which traditional sport has been declared as the state game of Madhya Pradesh?

Introduction / Context:
Many Indian states have notified traditional sports as their official state games to promote cultural heritage and physical fitness. Madhya Pradesh, a large central Indian state, has chosen a distinctive traditional sport that involves gymnastic and yogic exercises performed on a vertical wooden pole or rope. This question tests whether you know which sport has been formally recognised as the state game of Madhya Pradesh.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question is about the official state game of Madhya Pradesh.
Options include Mallakhamba, Lagori, Kabaddi and Kho Kho.
We assume familiarity with Indian traditional sports and their regional associations.

Concept / Approach:
Mallakhamba is a traditional Indian sport that combines elements of gymnastics, yoga and strength training using a vertical wooden pole or rope. It has strong roots in central India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, where it has been extensively promoted in schools and sports academies. Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhamba as its state game to highlight this cultural and physical tradition. By contrast, Kabaddi and Kho Kho are popular throughout India and are state sports in some other regions, and Lagori is a traditional game played in various states but is not specifically the state game of Madhya Pradesh. Recognising this association leads you to the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Many school textbooks and competitive exam guides mention that Madhya Pradesh has declared Mallakhamba as its state game. News reports on traditional sports also highlight the role of Madhya Pradesh in reviving and institutionalising Mallakhamba training. Furthermore, images of state level sporting events and government publicity materials often show Mallakhamba demonstrations in Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing the link between this sport and the state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose Kabaddi or Kho Kho because these games are broadly familiar and associated with school sports. Another error is not differentiating between popular games and those formally designated as state sports. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to memorise some key associations: Mallakhamba for Madhya Pradesh, Kabaddi for certain other states and so on. Remember the unique features of Mallakhamba involving a wooden pole or rope, which makes it distinctive and easier to recall in this context.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Mallakhamba, because this traditional pole and rope based sport has been officially declared the state game of Madhya Pradesh.