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This blog belongs to everyone interested in preserving and promoting traditional Indian wrestling. Please feel free to contribute photos, videos, links to news articles or your own blog posts. E-mail contributions to kushtiwrestling@gmail.com.

Apr 30, 2010

Kushti in Mysore



At a small akhara in Mysore, a couple of older wrestlers train in the afternoon.

Apr 27, 2010

NEWSPAPER REPORTS FROM MAHARASHTRA DANGAL

Contributed by Dattaray Jadhav





DANGAL IN LAHORE

LAHORE – The 6th Khadim-e-Ala Punjab Dangal will be held here at the Iqbal Park Wrestling stadium on May 5.
According to an official of the organising committee, no funds are being taken from the government and the sponsors will hold the activity, Mohsin Arshad, an official of the Chief Minister Task force on wrestling said.
Similar dangals were organised at Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Mandi Bahauddin. All the financial needs were fulfilled by the local DCOs of the area.
At Lahore entry to the stadium will be free and young wrestlers would be encouraged to groom the sport, he said.

Apr 25, 2010

Gaddo of JKP wins Koterenka Wrestling Dangal

JAMMU, Apr 24: SPO with J&K Police, Gaddo of Khawas in Buddal emerged winner in a dangal competition which was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir under civil action programme at Koterenka in district Rajouri.
In the main bout, pahalwan Gaddo defeated a Jammu wrestler. In all, 150 wrestlers from different parts of Jammu division took part in the event.
Deputy Inspector General of Rajouri-Poonch range, SD Singh Jamwal, who took the initiative to hold competition in the indigenous game of wrestling, was chief guest.
In his addresss, the DIG encouraged the youth to participate in all types of games and sports which will not only help in their physical development but also bring in them sportsman spirit.
He thanked the people for their support and participation and sought their support in the future.
Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, J P Singh was guest of honour. Among others present were Shabir Choudhary, Additional SP Rajouri, Shahzad Khan, senior PDP leader, Tehsildar Kotrenka and SHO Kotrenka, Ayub Pehalwan.

KUSHTI DANGAL IN JAMMU

JAMMU: Range Police Hqrs Rajouri Poonch organised a Wrestling competition at Kandi in Rajouri District. A large number of wrestlers from different Districts in Jammu Zone participated in the competition. In all 60 wrestling matches took place in three categories sub junior, junior and senior. Many veteran wrestlers of the area including Mohammad Ayub Pahalwan, who is Bronze Medallist in Asian Games, also
attended the function. DIG Rajouri Poonch Range S.D Singh-IPS was the Chief Guest and Deputy Commissioner Rajouri J.P Singh was the guest of honour. Speaking on the function DIG Rajouri Poonch Range expressed his happiness to see such a huge talent of wrestling in the area keen interest of the youth in wrestling, which as per his assessment, was on decline. He further said that it is important to promote wrestling competition as this will motivate the youngsters to take care of their health and the same will also keep them away from vices like drug abuse, alcoholism and smoking. People in the area were highly appreciative of the initiative taken by the J and K Police to organise this in a far-flung region like Kandi Budhal.

DIG Presides over Wrestling Competition in Koterenka

Rajouri, Apr 24: S. D. Singh Jamwal, IPS, DIG, Rajouri Poonch Range conducted a Wrestling (Dangal) competition in Koterenka under the Civic Action Programme. Around 150 participants hailing from different parts of Jammu Division wrestled for the first prize. Gaddo Pehalwan, an SPO in the Police Department from Khawas, Buddal defeated the wrestler from Jammu to receive the first prize.
Jamwal in his address encouraged the youth to participate in all types of games and sports which will not only help in their physical development but also bring in them sportsman spirit. He also assured to take up the construction of a sports stadium with the concerned authorities. He further advised the youth not to indulge in drugs, alcoholism and other addictions.
Jamwal thanked the people for their support and participation and sought their support in the future. He assured of all kinds of rightful help and assistance from the Police Department and said the doors are always open for the masses.
Others present on the occasion were J. P. Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shabir Choudhary, Addl SP Rajouri, Shahzad Khan, Senior PDP Leader, Tehsildar Kotrenka, SHO Kotrenka, Ayub Pehalwan and others.

Apr 23, 2010

Wrestlers Warming Up for Nada Kusti

Mysore, April 22: As the countdown begins for Dasara and the organisers scramble to get their act together, the wrestlers are all set to fine-tune their skills. For, it is the season of Nada Kusti, the traditional form of wrestling, which is on the verge of sliding into extinction, but makes a come back during festivities.
As part of the inauguration, wrestling enthusiasts can look forward to quite a few bouts of Nada Kusti along with Marpeet, which is reckoned to be a crowd-puller during the festivities. And the organisers have increased the allowances given to the participants. This is expected to give a fillip to the number of participants this year.
Nada Kusti was popularised by the royal family of Mysore and was a favourite sport among the people. But over the years, it has lost sheen, but for the sudden resurgence in interest during Dasara when the tradition holds sway.
Hence, along with Nada Kusti, the people also get a chance to witness another form of wrestling, Vajra Musthi.
Meanwhile, the wrestlers in Mysore are warming up for the grand event and the Garadis or gymnasium where the wrestlers practice, are packed with budding wrestlers, learning the trick of the trade from their teachers.
The city is home to dozens of such Garadis of which at least a few are more than 150 years old.
Though the public reaction to Nada Kusti in the run up to the festivities is muted, it is a sight to behold as the crowd lustily cheers and supports their favourite garadi, akin to supporting the favourite team in the Indian Premier League matches. For, at stake will be the silver mace and the title of Dasara Kesari and similar high sounding titles.

Apr 22, 2010

AKSHAY KUMAR AT DANGAL WITH WRESTLER SAMINDAR JADHAV

Contributed by DATTATRAY JADHAV(9594205050)


Samindar Jadhav with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar at Andheri Dangal

Wrestler Benia Wins Amar Nath Memorial Kesari Title

JAMMU, Apr 21: One of the top wresters of the state, Benia of Basantgarh in district Udhampur clinched the 47th Annual Amar Nath Memorial Kesari dangal title beating Fiza of Billawar in district Kathua in the main bout played at Sports Stadium Udhampur.
Organised by Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal Samiti, the dangal held in collaboration with J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association and Mukti Youth Club Udhampur.
Member Legislative Assembly (MLA), Balwant Singh Mankotia was chief guest, who gave away prizes to the winners and runners-up.
President of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma presided over the function while Councilor Prahald Singh and SHO Udhampur, Arvind Samyal were the guests of honour.
Winner of main bout Benia received a cash prize of Rs 3100 in additional to Silver Gurj (Gadda) and Patta, while runners-up Fiza given away Rs 2,000 as cash prize money by the organizers.
In all 31 bouts were played in this vishal dangal. In the second main bout, Mohd. Akram of Jammu beat Kuldeep Singh of Roun-Domail while the third bout went to Romesh of Banaras, who defeated Nasib Singh of Mohore in Reasi.
In the forth main bout, Subash Chander of Chopra Shop in Udhampur held Pappu of Ramnagar to a draw.
Other Results: Raspaul Singh bt Sharif, Satvir Singh bt Tilak Raj, Sonu bt Sonu Lal, Parkash bt Salman, Paviter Singh bt Sunil, Billu bt Vijay, Sat Paul Singh bt Shaffi, Makhan bt Mantoo, Pritam bt Biju, Billu bt Sanjay, Vijay bt Billu, Tirthu bt Vijay, Prabhat Singh bt Jawen, Ajay Sharma bt Vijay. Bout between Shootu and Farooq ended in a draw.
Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal Samitti and technical officials who helped in smooth conduct of this dangal included Geeta Devi, Balwan Singh, Vikram Salathia, Hans Raj, Sansar Chand, Rakesh Kumar, Sudhir, Ranjeet, Narinder, Raj Singh, Laxhman Singh, Swantantar Dev Kotwal Advocate, Capt. (Retd.) Lehar Singh,Vijay Singh, Miru, Surma Chand and Thakur Dass.
Shiv Kumar Sharma lauded the role of Geeta Devi for organizing such an event in the memory her beloved father Amar Nath Pujari who expired in 2005 and was former president of the Dangal Samiti.
He said, "Holding of such sports events in the state send a massage of love, peace and brotherhood among the people of the country and appealed the young generation to practice wrestling for healthy life.

Sports Ministry Sanctions Rs 2 Lakhs for Former Wrestler


NEW DELHI: Sports minister MS Gill on Thursday sanctioned an aid of Rs 2 lakhs for former wrestler Hiralal Shaw from the National Welfare Fund for financially distressed athletes.

"Dr MS Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, has sanctioned ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons to Shri Hiralal Shaw, a former Wrestling player who is living in indigent conditions," the sports ministry said in a statement.

Shaw competed at both the national and international level in 1954.

"Taking into consideration his financial position, the sports minister has sanctioned ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to Shri Shaw."

Under the Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, the sports ministry provides lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons of the past, who are facing financial distress.

PRACTICING KUSHTI IN MUMBAI





Far away from the Indian cricket pitch where pristine whites demand respect, is the dirty, sweaty world of kushti. The traditional style of Indian wrestling sees players take to a red clay pit, where they grab, push and throw each other to the ground. Within minutes their muscular bodies are masked in orange, with clay clinging to their eyebrows and hair.

Here Kushti wrestler, Sanjay Chavan talks about the discipline and comradarie that goes along with the traditional sport.


READ MORE HERE

CHANDIGARH'S OLDEST AKHARA KEEPS WRESTLING ALIVE


Chandigarh, April 21
Tucked amidst several trees between the Sukhna lake and the Chandigarh Golf course, a group of 35 young wrestlers grapple in a mud pit every evening.

Not many, perhaps not even officials of the UT Sports department, are aware of this “akhara” (wrestling arena), which has gone on to produce both state-level and even some national-level champions.

No one remembers when this wrestling arena came into being. But all agree that it has been in existence even before Chandigarh became a city. It continues to be a virtual second home to budding wrestlers who, by and large, are from both rural and economically weaker sections of society.

While the training part is free for all, the wrestlers here are expected to contribute to maintaining the wrestling arena. Besides, four budding wrestlers belonging to poor families - Kuldeep Singh, Sandeep, Harnek and Johny - are also being provided with the necessary diet from the meagre funds of the “akhara”.

For Kuldeep Singh, a class X student whose father is a munshi with a local advocate, the “akhara” is just like his second home. “At home, we get shelter, love, support and meals. All these things are provided to us here too.

The inmates of the akhara hail from nearby villages like Kishangarh, Nada and Mani Majra as well as slums located in the city and its periphery.

Managing its affairs without financial aid from any quarters, the akhara struggles to provide for its inmates. “Diet is our primary concern. With the daily diet of each wrestler costing around Rs 250, this is not a sport for poor,” said Raja Pehalwan, who had represented the country in the Takhti Cup held in Iran in the year 2000. He is now in charge of the akhara. Ironically, it is people from poor families who are into wrestling. But a wrestler’s diet requires items like milk, ghee, dry fruits, eggs and meat.

“The sport demands nourishment and healthy diet, but our families cannot spend so much. Getting a wrestler’s diet is a big help for us to pursue with our passion,” said Johny, a class VIII student in Nada whose father is a class IV employee in the water supply department. He daily commutes from Nada, located over 20 km away.

“For us, the ‘akhara’ is the most sacred place in this world, as it not only teaches us the utmost values of life but also provides us everything to make our future and life bright,” said Harnek Singh of Kishengarh. His father is also an employee in the water supply department and he had got admission in school on the basis of his performance in wrestling.

The “akhara” has groomed several internationally acclaimed wrestlers like Raja Pehalwan, a national level medalist, Vajender, a bronze medallist at the 44th national-level championship held at Amravati, Amit Kumar, a silver medallist from Punjab, and Ashok Kumar, another national-level wrestler.

“We want to provide many facilities to our wrestlers but scarcity of funds is a major constraint,” said Raja. Wrestlers rue that they get no help from the government and no one from the sports department has ever visited their site. “Ours is one of the oldest akharas of the city but we find ourselves completely ignored. Sometimes some philanthropists help us by giving donations in kind. We do our best to promote this sport from within our limited resources,” he added.

The only source of inspiration for the grappling school has been visits in the distant past by wrestling legends like Rustam-e-Hind Chandgi Ram, Olympian Rajinder Singh and Sarwar Pehalwan and Omveer Pal.

Apr 21, 2010

MAHARASHTRA WRESTLING - KUSHTI PHOTOS

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY DATTARAY JADHAV






ROHIT PATEL

SAEED CAHUS

SAID CHAUS


Vasant Patil yana Purskar detana Vinay Kore

ASLAM KAZI


Chandrahar Patil

Devid JANSURAJYA KESARI














Gurvinder, Pumma Share Kundrorian Dangal Title

JAMMU: Gurvinder Singh of Garh Shanker in Punjab and Pamma of Dera Baba Nanak in district Reasi shared the Kundrorian Kesari dangal title after the27 minutes bout played between them that ended in a tame draw at Hanuman Akhara, Kundrorian in the holy town of Katra.
Both the wrestlers fighting for the main bout were awarded a cash prize of 21,000 by the chief guest, state secretary of BSP, Rakesh Singh Wazir and president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma.
In the second main bout, Jagroop of Amritsar defeated Benia of J and K Police to receive the cash prize of Rs 11,000 while runners-up, Benia was given away Rs 7, 000.
The third main bout was won by Puran Singh of Garh Shanker (Punjab) beating Baj Singh of Dera Baba Nanak. The fourth main bout went to Fiza of Billawar, who defeated Raju of Kapurthala in Punjab. In both these bouts cash prizes were awarded.
Dangal was organised by Kun drorian Dangal Committee Katra under the aegis of J&K Indian Style wrestling Association at Kundrorian, Katra. Balwant Singh president of the wrestling committee supervised the whole event along with other members of the committee.
Members and technical official who helped conduct the event included, Karnail Singh,Ganesh Singh, Ajay Singh, Papu Lakri,Shanker Singh, Joginder Singh, Naresh Kumar, Bansi Lal, Sudersah Thakur, Arjun Singh, Ved Parkah Singh, Rattan Lal, Raj Singh and Mohammad Fareed.
Other Results: Laket Ali bt Jameet Lal , Rajesh bt Gt Hossiar Singh, Baloo bt Sanjay, Manjour bt Raj Singh, Gurdev Singh bt Sukhdev Singh, Youns bt Rashpal, Murad Ali bt Gurdev ,Kartar Singh bt Bittu,Yaseen bt Sheeba, Buta bt Kalui,Akram bt Mast, Sheesh Kumar bt Ali, Fiza bt Kalu. Bouts between Baloo and Pritam Singh; Tej Singh and Romesh; Pritam Singh and Vijay Singh; Raju and Muraod Ali ended in a draw.

Apr 20, 2010

Punjab Wrestler Gurvinder Bags Salora Kesari Title

JAMMU, Apr 19: Punjab wrestler, Gurvinder Singh won the 26th Annual Salora Kesari Dangal which was organised by Salora Dangal Committee in association with J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association at Salora on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
In the main bout for the title, Gurvinder defeated Mohd. Rafiq of Ludhiana after 19 minutes of tough contest to receive a cash award of Rs 9,000 from the organizers. Runners-up, Rafiq got Rs 6,000. The prizes were given away to the winners and runners-up by former Minister, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Shiv Kumar Sharma as also Chuni Lal Ramotra and SHO, Ajay Bhatt.
In all, 78 top wrestlers from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, J&K, J&K Police and BSF took part in this dangal which held under the supervision of Shiv Kumar Sharma president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association.
In all, 48 bouts were played. The second main bout was won by wrestler Benia of Basantgarh in District Udhampur of J&K Police beating Virender of Guru Hanuman Akhara Delhi. In the third main bout Rinka of Chandigarh defeated Pinder of Ajnala in Punjab. The fourth main bout went to Sunny of Hoshairpur Punjab who defeated Sona of Amritsar while Puran Singh of Garh Shanker won fifth bout beating Fiza of Billawar.
Salora Dangal Committee and technical officials who helped in the smooth conduct of this Dangal were Chuni Lal Ramotra, Rajinder Kumar, Surinder Kumar, Isher Dass, Swarn Singh, Sain Mohd, Ashok Kumar, Raj Singh, Mohd Fareed, Vijay Singh, Pappu Lakri, Ajit Kumar, Pawan Kumar, and Om Parkash Sharma.
Other Results: Happy of Dera Baba Nanak bt Fiza of Billawer; Prahald Singh of Kalakot bt Karan of Ajnala; Murad Ali of Jammu bt Sheeba of Batala; Billu of Jindrah bt Bir Singh of Reasi; Happy bt Sethi of R.S Pura; Jatinder of Amritsar bt Yaseen of Jammu; Murad Ali of Jammu bt Prahald Singh of Kalakote; Raju of Kapoorthala bt Jatinder of Amritsar. Bouts between Sucha of Taran Tarn and Mukha of Dinanagar BSF; Buta of Ludhiana and Kashmira of Dinanagar; Sonu of Jammu and Romesh of Banaras; Akram of Jammu and Raju of Batala; Parveen of Pathankote and Bobari of Jammu; Billa of Ludhiana and Babbu of Jindrah ended in a draw.

Shahid Wins Khadim-e-Aala Punjab Dangal

LAHORE – Shahid Pahlwan of Jehlum won the fifth Khadim-e-Aala Punjab Dangal here on late Sunday night.
Shahid downed Aslam Arain in a five-minute bout.
In another big bout of the day, Qasim Gujranwalia defeated Bilal Pahlwan of Lahore. In another major fight, Lahore’s Sarwar Sain beat Tauseef Pahlwan of Faisalabad.
In all, 25 bouts were held and DCO Mandibahauddin Hafiz Muhammad Ilyas was the chief guest of the occasion and gave the prizes to the winner.
Coordinator of CM on wrestling Mohsin Arshad was also present on the occasion. Mohsin informed that the sixth competition will be held in May at Lahore.

Wrestler's hold on ambition



By Craig Ross
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
JASPREET Singh wants to be the best he can be, but the Cairns wrestler needs a qualified coach to help him reach his potential.
Singh, 21, who does much of his training in a shed on his coach Gurinder Mavi’s Tully banana farm, captured the 96kg division title at the annual Australian Sikh Games in Brisbane this month.
He defeated Gurdeep Singh, an opponent he described as strong and difficult to beat, to claim the prize but hopes to take his wrestling talents further.
Mavi, who admits to limited ability as a coach, oversees the development of a small group of wrestlers from the Cairns region’s young Sikh community.
But he is hopeful the group could be incorporated into a club if other members of the public were interested in taking up the sport and he is keen to hear from any qualified coaches in the region.
For Singh, who moved from the state of Punjab in India to Cairns with his family a year ago, finding a qualified coach is imperative to his dreams of becoming a top-class wrestler.
The powerfully built athlete has been wrestling since the age of 13, learning an Indian variation of the Greco-Roman style of the sport on both dirt and mats in his childhood.
Singh strongly conveys his deep desire to improve as an athlete.
"I want to try to go to the top," he said. "I train every day.
"I do push-ups, running, weight lifting and climbing rope."
Singh also sticks to a high protein diet as part of his training regimen, powering through milk products, almonds, meat and dietary supplements.
He is preparing for the Australia Cup event at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre on May 22-23.
Anyone willing to help Singh with his coaching or assist in the creation of a club, can phone Gurinder Mavi on 0410 662 459.

Apr 19, 2010

Naseeb Devika Baisakhi Dangal Champ

ST NEWS SERVICE
UDHAMPUR- Wrestler Naseeb Singh of Jammu and Kashmir Police won final bout in a wrestling match by defeating wrestler Vijay Kumar of Jammu in a tough 15 minutes contest held at the bank of sacred Devika rivulet Udhampur in the traditional Baisakhi Mela.
The wrestling match was organised by Mahant, Madan Lal Khajuria of Devika Shiv temple, Udhampur. The winner of the match was awarded Rupees 2, 100/- while the runner up was given Rupees 1, 100/- by the Superintendent of Police City, Rajeshwar Singh, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
Deputy Controller Civil Defense, Bodh Raj, Chairman and President Devika Baisakhi Mela committee, Advocate Surinder Khajuria and Advocate Swatanter Dev Kotwal representatives of NGOs, Sports lovers, prominent citizens and many spectators were present. In all 70 bouts were held during the wrestling match between 140 wrestlers of different districts.
Laxman Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Rajesh Sharma and Vijay Kumar drew repeated cheers from the crowd. This wrestling match is organised at every year on the concluding day of Devika Baisakhi Mela.

RAFIQ OF PUNJAB BAGS JHAJJAR KOTLI KUSHTI DANGAL TITLE

4/18/2010
JAMMU, Apr 17: Mohd. Rafiq of Ludhiana in Punjab clinched the 81st Jhajjar Kotli Kesari dangal title outplaying wrestler Virender in the easy main bout that took place at Jhajjar Kotli on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Winner Rafiq was awarded a cash prize of Rs 6,000 in addition to Silver Gurj (Gadda) and Patta by president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma while runners-up, Pahalwan Virender got Rs 4,000.
Dangal was organized by Jhajjar Kesari Dangal Committee is association with J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association.
Earlier, chief guest, Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jugal Kishore Sharma encouraged the wrestlers taking part in the main bouts. Vipan Gupta, Naib Tehsildar and Ajay Bhatt, SHO were the guests of honour.In all, 48 bouts were played and the winners and runners-up out of these fights were awarded suitable cash prizes by the organizers. The second main bout between Rinka of Chandigarh and Ashar of Amirtsar remained undecided. In the third main bout Sona of Amritsar defeated Bhupinder of Ajnala in Punjab. The fourth main bout was won by Succha of Taran Taaran beating Kalu of Shiv Mandir Akhara Jammu while the fifth bout went to Fiza of Billawar who beat Pathar of Gurdasspur.
Jhajjar Kotli Kesari Dangal Committee and Technical Committee members who rendered their valuable services were Durga Dass Thappa, Kaka Ram Falgotra, Swarn Singh Charak, Puran Chand Baru, Bishan Dass, Modan Mohan Dubey, Ajit Singh, Prabh Dayal, Bashir Mohd. Malik, Magger Singh, Nar Singh, Tara Mani, Bodh Raj, Jaswant Singh, Satish Kumar Dubey, Ashok Kumar Baru, Pappu Lakri, Vijay Singh, Raj Singh, Balwan Singh, Om Parkash Dubey and Mohd. Fareed.
Other Results: Bobari bt Raju, Raju of Batala bt Akram of Jammu, Fiza of Billawar bt Raju of Kapurthala, Murad Ali bt Onkar Singh, Billu bt Joginder Singh, Ali of Bani Basohli bt Sukha of Ferozapur, Sonu of Delhi bt Vicky of Akhnoor, Bobari of Jammu bt Karan of Amirtsar, Laket Ali bt Sukhdev Singh, Vikram bt Bablu, Billa bt Baboo, Murad Ali bt Nasib Singh. Bout between Ballu and Seeba; Prem Verna of Jhiri and Onkar Singh of Amritsar ended in a draw.

Apr 18, 2010

PALWINDER SINGH CHEEMA WINS WRESTLING GOLD

Gagan K. Teja
Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 17
One of the internationally successful stars in the Indian wrestling history, Olympian Palwinder Singh Cheema has once again proved his mettle. He has won 9th consecutive gold medal in the All India Police Games that were held at Pune from April 8 to 10 in the 120 kg weight category. Having returned to the city, Palwinder Cheema, inspector with Punjab Police, is very excited about his win and hopes to continue his winning spree. His father and coach Sukhchain Singh Cheema, Dronacharya Awardee, is a proud man.

Talking to The Tribune, he said he was delighted that Palwinder has lived up to his expectations. He says it is a proud moment for any father and coach to see their player on the top. He informed that this year, 14 players participated in his weight category. He defeated Surinder Nar of CISF is the final to grab the medal.
Talking about Palwinder’s achievements, he informed that Palwinder won back to back gold medals at the Commonwealth Championship and Canada Cup. Honoring his national and international success, Palwinder Singh Cheema was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 2003. He won the Gold Medal in Indo-Pak Punjab Games in the following year. Born on 11th November, 1982, Palwinder Singh Cheema has also won medals in Asian Games and other international tournaments. He is employed with the Punjab Police.

Apr 17, 2010

WRESTLING MATCH FROM HARYANA DANGAL



Another good match from a dangal in Haryana.

BOLLYWOOD STAR AKSHAY KUMAR TALKS ABOUT KUSHTI

AMAR NATH MEMORIAL DANGAL on 19th APRIL

JAMMU: Organised by the Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal Samiti Udhampur, in collaboration with J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, the 47th Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal shall take place on 19th April afternoon at Sports Stadium Udhampur. President J and K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma informed, after finalising the arrangements in a meeting held by him.
Others who attended the meeting were Geeta Devi, chairman Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal Samiti, Prahald Singh, Vikram Salathia, Rakesh Kumar, Balwan Singh, Hans Raj, and Sansar Chand. Shiv Kumar Sharma said that about 45-50 wrestlers from states like Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, UP and HP as also from different Districts of the state are likely to participate in this annual dangal. It was also decided to honour the best wrestler (winner of main bout) with Amar Nath Memorial Maha Dangal Kesari title and would be awarded traditional “Silver Gurj and Patta” in addition to handsome cash prize. The cash prize for the main bout is Rs 5, 100. Interested Wrestlers from Jammu region can still submit their entries to Shiv Kumar Sharma on mobile no. 94191 61880

DANGAL SCHEDULED ON APRIL 18 IN KATRA

ST NEWS SERVICE
KATRA: A meeting of Dangal Committe Kundrorian Katra was held under its president Balwant Singh in which he declared  that this year’s Dangal will be held as routine near Railway Station, Katra at Hanuman Akhara Kundrorian. Singh said that wrestlers from own and nearby states would participate. The main wrestlers who are expected in the Dangal include Kamaljit from Delhi, Ginder from Amritsar, Sony from Seor Ludhiana, Benia, Omkar, Kulbir, Jagroop,J aspreet, Jang Bahudar etc. The meeting among others was attended by Karnail Singh,Joginder Singh,Naresh Kumar,Bansi Lal,Sudershan Thakur,Arjun Singh,Ved Parkash,Raj Singh,Rattan Lal.

Apr 15, 2010

INDIANS EYE FAME AND GLORY IN WRESTLING

PAKISTANI WRESTLER MUHAMMAD MUSTAFA

BENIA BAGS DERA KESARI DANGAL TITLE

Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 14: Benia of Basantgarh in district Udhampur clinched the 19th Dera Kesari Dangal title outplaying Kamal Joti (Billa) of Khanna in Punjab in the main bout played at Baba Banda Bahadur Sikh Samardai, 28 kilometers from holy town of Katra in district Reasi.
The winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000 while runners-up, Kamal was awarded Rs 4,000 by the chief guest by MLA Reasi, Baldev Raj Sharma and Deputy commissioner Reasi, PK Pole. Shiv Kumar Sharma, president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association presided over the function.
Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi Gaddinasheen of Dera Baba Banda Bahadur, Tehsidar Reasi, Sher Singh and SDPO Reasi, Abdul Rashid were among distinguished personalities present.
The day-long dangal was organised by Dera Baba Banda Bahadur Dangal Committee under the aegis of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association on Baisakhi festival.
In all, 34 bouts were played in the vishal Dangal. The second main bout was won by Omkar Singh of Kathua who beat Sona of Amritsar in a tough 24 minutes long fight. In third main bout between Dharma of Alamgir (Ludhiana) and Mukha of Dinanagar of BSF remained undecided resulting into both shared the prize money of Rs 2500 each.
The fourth bout was won by Kulbir Singh of Kot Bhalwal Jammu trouncing Pawan Kumar of Khanna in Punjab while the fifth went to Happy of Amritsar, who registered win over Swarn Singh of Kot Bhalwal
Dera Baba Banda Bahadur Dangal committee members who helped for conduct of this Vishal Dangal were Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi, Malik Ram Lubhaya, Paruthi Sant Kumar Juneja, VP Maker, Sanjay Kumar, Charan Singh, Sujjan Singh and Mohan Singh.
Technical committee officials who helped in conduct of dangal were Mohd
Fareed Capt. Lehar Singh (Retd.), Vijay Singh, Ex Sarpanch Joginder Singh, Ved Parkash Singh, and Master Ram, Krishan (Retd.).
Other Results: Gurdeep Singh bt Narinder, Mohd Shaffi bt Sat Paul, Vijay Kumar bt Laket Ali. Pappu bt Rashpaul Singh, Youns bt Sher Kumar, Billu bt Gokal, Mohd Ashraf bt Jatinder Paul. Bir Singh bt Naresh, Pappu bt Baggha, Bayant Singh bt Kuldeep Singh, Vicky bt Younis. Bouts between Prem Verma and Ali, Surma Singh and Narinder Singh, Kalu and Happy and Kaka and Dellwar Singh ended in draw.

BENIA WINS DERA KESAR WRESTLING TITLE

ST NEWS SERVICE
KATRA: “19th Annual Dera Kesari Vishal Dangal 2010” organised by Dera Baba Banda Bahadur Dangal Committee, Baba Banda Bahadur Sikh Samardai under the aegis of J and K Indian Style Wrestling Association at Holy Shrine Dera Banda Bahadur 28 kms from Katra in Tehsil and District Reasi.
M.L.A Reasi Baldev Raj Sharma was the chief guest and gave away prizes to the winners. President J and K Indian Style Wrestling Association Shiv Kumar Sharma presided over the function. Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi Gaddinasheen of Dera Baba Banda Bahadur, Tehsidar Reasi, Sher Singh and SDPO Reasi, Abdul Rashid were among distinguished personalities present.
The first main bout was fought between Benia of Basantgarh in District Udhampur of J and K Police V/s Kamal Joti (Billa) Inter University Silver Medalist 2009 of Khanna (Pb.) Benia clinched “19th Dera Kesari 2010” title beating Kamal Joti (Billa ) in   the very tough bout that lasted for 14 minutes.
Winner Benia got Rs 5,000 as cash prize in addition to Silver Gurj (Gadda) and Patta by Shiv Kumar Sharma who is also treasurer Indian Style Wrestling Association of India and Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi Gaddinasheen of Dera Baba Banda Bahadur. Rs 4,000/- was given to pahalwan Kamal Joti (Billa) (runner-up) by Tehsidar Reasi Sher Singh and SDPO Reasi Abdul Rashid. In all 34 bouts were Played in the Vishal Danga.
The second main bout was fought between Omkar Singh of Kathua of BSF versus Sona of Amritsar this bout was won by Omkar Singh after the tough fight of 24 minutes. Cash prize of Rs 3,500/- was given to Omkar Singh and Rs 2,500/- was given to Sona (runner-up).
Third main bout was fought between Dharma of Alamgir (Ludhiana) versus Mukha of Dinanagar of BSF. The bout remained undecided, which was fought for 27 minutes, and both the wrestlers were given Rs 2,500/- each. 4th bout was won by Kulbir Singh of Kot Bhalwal Jammu by defeating Pawan Kumar of Khanna (Pb.) cash prize of Rs 2,000/-was given to Kulbir Singh while Rs 1, 500/- was given to Pawan Kumar of Khanna (runner-up).
5Th bout between Happy of Amritsar versus Swarn Singh of Kot Bhalwal ended in a draw that lasted for 26 minutes. 
Dera Baba  Banda Bahadur Dangal committee members who  helped for conduct of this Vishal Dangal in a very fine and smooth way were Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi, Malik Ram Lubhaya, Paruthi Sant Kumar Juneja, V.P Maker, Sanjay Kumar, Charn Singh, Sujjan Singh and Mohan Singh.
Technical Officials who helped for the conduct of Dangal were Mohd Fareed Capt. Lehar Singh (Retd.), Vijay Singh, Ex Sarpanch Joginder Singh, Ved Parkash Singh, and Master Ram, Krishan (Retd.).
In other bouts, Gurdeep Singh beat Narinder, Mohammad Shaffi bt. Sat Paul, Vijay Kumar bt. Laket Ali. Pappu bt. Rashpaul Singh, Youns beat Sher  Kumar, Billu beat Gokal, Mohammad Ashraf beat Jatinder Paul. Bir Singh bt. Naresh, Pappu bt. Baggha, Bayant Singh bt. Kuldeep Singh, Vicky bt. Youns, bouts between Prem Verma versus Ali, Surma Singh versus Narinder Singh, Kalu versus Happy and Kaka versus Dellwar Singh ended in a draw.

Apr 14, 2010

WRESTLING - KUSHTI IN GURGAON



HUDA EMPLOYEE Games KUSTI in CH. Devi Lal stadium gurgaon.

SALORA KESARI VISHAL DANGAL ON APRIL 17th

ST NEWS SERVICE
KATRA:  26th Annual Salora Kesari Vishal Dangal 2010 is schedule on 17th April (Saturday) at Salora in Tehsil and District Jammu. It is being organised by Salora Dangal Committee under the aegis of J and K Indian Style Wrestling Association at 2 PM. It decideed in a meeting at Katra held under Shiv Kumar Sharma President J and K Indian Style Wrestling Association.
The members who attended the meeting were Chuni Lal Ramotra, Rajinder Kumar, Surinder Kumar, Ishar Dass, Swarn Singh, Sain Mohammad, Ashok Kumar, Soni Sharma, Raj Singh, Ajit Kumar, Pawan Kumar, and Bansi Lal (Ex. Sarpanch).
Shiv Kumar Sharma who is also Treasure Indian Style Wrestling Association of India informed that some 60-65 Wrestlers from different states are going to take part in the Vishal Dangal. J and K Wrestlers from Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Roun-Domail, Ramnagar, Pouni, Panchari, Moungri, Jindrah, Reasi, Akhnoor, Dansal, B.S.F and J and K Police have confirmed their entries while other state wrestlers from Amritsar, Pathankote, Hoshirpur, Jullunder, Ludhiana, Ajnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Khanna and Delhi are likely to participate in the Dangal.
Sharma informed that it is being conducted regularly at Salora for last 26 years every year on Baisakhi. Sharma said that the best Wrestler of the Dangal with “26th Salora Kesari 2010” title.
He would be awarded traditional silver Gurj (Gadda) and Patta along with handsome cash prize. The Dangal is organised on Mud Akhara the decision of the referee in every bout will be final and.
Meanwhile, all the interested Wrestlers of the Jammu region have been asked to contact Shiv Kumar Sharma (94191 61880) for their entries in the Vishal Dangal.

Apr 13, 2010

WRESTLING DANGAL IN MEMORY OF BHIM SINGH

By Deepak Ansuia Prasad

A big dangal was held at Village Rampur Kaasna, near Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in memory of a great wrestler of the village, Bhim Pahlwan, an Arjun awardee, commemorating his birthday on 7th April.











This bout was decided on the basis of points., however it was a dangal match, which is ususally decided by fall. Indian wrestling is seeing new experiments in competitions, mostly the international style is being adapted.




This match was between Renowned Pahlwan Vikram of Guru Jasram Akhada, and a pupil of Guru Hanuman. The bout was decided on the basis of points, as happens in international wrestling, Vikram won the bout 4-1.







BENIA BAGS CHHOURTA KESARI WRESTLING TITLE

The Northlines
JAMMU, Apr 11: Pahalwan Benia of Basantgarh in district Udhampur clinched the 12th Annual Chhourta Kesari dangal title outplaying Binder of Alamgir in Ludhiana (Punjab) in the main bout that took place at Chhourta.
Dangal was organized by Chhourta Dangal Committee under the aegis of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association.
President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma was chief guest who gave away prizes to the winners and runners-up wrestlers. Contractor Virender Kumar and Madan Lal were guests of honour.
Winner Benia was given away a cash prize of Rs 3,500 in addition to traditional Patta while runners-up, Binder received Rs 2,500 as cash prize.
In all 36 bouts were played in this vishal dangal. In second main bout, Omkar Singh of BSF held Dharama of Alamgir in Ludhiana to a draw to share the cash prize of Rs 5,000 between them. Third main bout against ended in a draw with Mukha of Dinanagar of and Kulbir Singh of Kot Bhalwal in Jammu sharing the prize of Rs 4,000.
In the fourth bout Bobari of Shiv Mandir Akhara Jammu emerged winner outplaying Kuldeep Singh of Ladha, while in fifth main bout, Attar Din of Jammu defeated Seth of RS Pura.
Chhourta Dangal Committee members, who helped in smooth conduct of this dangal included Sham Lal Sharma, Subash Chander Sharma, Sunder Singh, Dr. Subash Chander, Romesh Chander, Pritam Singh and Bishan Dass. The technical committee was comprised of Mohd. Fareed, Vijay Singh, Balwan Singh, Subash Chander, Hukam Chand, Krishan Lal Sharma and Raj Singh.
Other Results: Naresh bt Kala, Akram bt Jan May Singh, Vijay bt Babu, Baboo bt Bagha, Tirthu bt Vicky, Billu bt. Lal Singh, Asif bt Gopal, Murad Ali bt Kuldeep Singh, Prem Verma bt Bayant Singh, Gulshan bt Noor Mohd, Vijay bt Rashpal, Sadiq Ali bt Ajit Mohd, Kaka bt Sadiq, Arof bt Jinder, Subash bt Kewal Singh, Billu bt Pappu. Bouts between Raju and Multan Singh and Narinder of BSF and Younis of Jammu ended in a draw.
Speaking on the occasion, the president of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma assured every possible assistance in boosting the game of wrestling in the rular area. He said possibility will also be explored for arranging coaching for the budding wrestlers of the region of Jammu and lauded the efforts of the Chhourta Dangal Committee in making the Dangal a grand success.

CHANDIGARH CITY WRESTLING TEAM LIFT TITLE

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 12
The city wrestling team has brought laurels to the city by emerging as the overall champions in the Fourth Senior Alysh Wrestling Championship organised by the Alysh Wrestling Federation of India in New Delhi from April 9 to 11.

Besides claiming two gold, one silver and four bronze medals, Bharat Kesri Jagmeet Singh, a product of Wrestling Coaching Centre, Sector 42, also bagged the best wrestler award in the championship.
Coach Darshan Lal said his disciples performed brilliantly in the competition. While Jagmeet took just 1.40 minutes to emerge as the winner against Maharashtra Kesari Pankaj Gawede in the 120-kg class final, Parvesh defeated Sushil of Uttar Pradesh in the 73-kg final to win the gold medal. Deepak got silver after losing to Pankaj of Haryana in the 66-kg bout final. The other medal winners (bronze) were Deepak (60 kg), Sunil (90 kg), Ravinder (81 kg), and Jagdeep (100 kg).
Earlier, hundreds of villagers of Ishapur village (from where Jagmeet hails) and nearby villagers gathered outside Ishapur village to welcome the team. The team members and officials were honoured at Jagmeet’s residence.

INDIA HOPES MUD-PIT WRESTLING CAN LEAD TO GOLD

By Kuldip Lal (AFP)



VIDEO LINK

NEW DELHI — Far from the hype that surrounds India's wealthy professional cricketers, a group of young men learn to wrestle in mud pits, hoping their skills may one day lead to fame and glory.

Wearing only a langot, or loin cloth, the boys -- some as young as 12 -- pump weights before entering the pit to learn the nuances of wrestling, one of India's traditional rural pastimes.

Enduring Spartan training and living conditions, the boys are determined to escape forever the poverty of their home villages and make it big on the world stage.

Akharas, as the mud pits are called in Hindi, are a key part of India's efforts to succeed at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.

Over the years the akharas have produced India's finest wrestling talent, including Sushil Kumar, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

In the 1990s, the Wrestling Federation of India tried to ban akharas on the grounds that young men found it difficult to adjust from mud pits to the mats used for international competitions.

But Kumar, who hopes to add Commonwealth glory to his Olympic success, says he owes his success to a youth spent in akharas.

"They shaped both my body and my thinking," Kumar, 26, told AFP. "If you want to learn wrestling, learn it the traditional Indian away. There is nothing like it."

The most famous wrestling school in India is Guru Hanuman's Akhara, located since 1925 off a bustling by-lane in old Delhi and named after a legendary trainer who died in a car accident in 1999 at the age of 98.

A dilapidated door separating the akhara from the outside world opens onto a small courtyard littered with unwashed utensils and gas stoves.

In the centre is the sand and mud pit where boys train under the watchful eyes of chief coach Maha Singh Rao, who took charge of the akhara after Guru Hanuman's death.

Some 125 trainees, many of whom live on the premises, follow Rao's strict regime, which begins before dawn with a long run on roads outside the akhara, followed by exercises and weight training.

They train for three hours after breakfast before taking time off to cook their own food and rest ahead of another strenuous session in the pits in the evening.

Meals are vegetarian, cooked in ghee -- rich clarified butter -- with a generous helping of nuts and dried fruits, washed down with fruit juice and milk.

"The key to making a good wrestler is speed, technique, strength and stamina," said Rao. "But it's not all about strength. You also need to use your brains."

Some wrestlers, like Kumar, go on to attain international glory. Others with similar talents struggle due to a lack of financial support and poor development programmes.

Rao said despite their successes, wrestlers frequently don't get the credit they deserve.

"The media and sponsors have time and money only for cricket," he said.

"Boys come to the akhara to do well in the sport, so that it can get them a career and jobs. Some are fortunate enough to make a name for themselves."

Kumar's bronze at Beijing was India's first Olympic wrestling medal since Khashaba Jadhav's third place at the 1952 Melbourne Games.

Wrestling did not feature in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, but India won three golds and three silvers in the seven events contested in Manchester four years earlier.

Many of Rao's pupils hope to take part at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, and the trainer believes India can claim the majority of the 14 gold medals on offer for men.

Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.

Apr 12, 2010

TimeOut Mumbai Article on CHINCHPOKLI AKHADA

TimeOut Mumbai

Look closely. You might recognise the pehelwans you see in this picture shot at the Mahatma Phule Vyayam Mandir on NM Joshi Marg. You may have seen them hauling sacks at the vegetable market or guarding a housing society. These are some of the things wrestlers in Mumbai to do supplement their incomes.

“Most of the wrestlers here are from poor backgrounds,” said 29-year-old Ashok Patil, who stays with two dozen out-of-towners at the akhada, where for over 30 years his father, Vasantrao Patil has been coaching wrestlers in the traditional sport of kushti.
Migrants from towns and villages such as Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur form the bulk of the membership of the ten to 15 akhadas that survive in Lower Parel, Dadar and Currey Road. They come to Mumbai to train in the hope of eventually scoring jobs in the railways or the police force. However, most end up working as security guards, drivers or porters.
For many of them, the high point of the year comes in March and April, when they travel across the state to participate in tournaments held during village fairs. “You can earn anywhere from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 at these village fairs,” said Ashok Patil. The village fairs are where the big money lies but Mumbai is the source of steady jobs for them. So becoming a wrestler in Mumbai also involves performing a balancing act.
Akhadas were an important part of the social fabric of middle class life until the early 1980s, but the decline of the textile mills in central Mumbai robbed the centres of their main clientele: mill workers, many of whom have moved out of the area, said GV Pargaonkar, the principal of the Bombay Physical Culture Association’s College of Physical Education in Wadala. Simultaneously, the popularity of Western-style gyms shot up.


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JHAJJAR KOYLI KESARI VISHAL DANGAL SET FOR APRIL 16

EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Apr 10: The 81st Jhajjar Kotli Kesari Vishal Dangal, organized by Jhajjar Kotli Dangal Committee under the aegis of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, shall take place on April 16 at Jhajjar Kotli in tehsil and district Jammu.
This was decided in a meeting of the organising committee held under the chairmanship of Shiv Kumar Sharma, president J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association. Other members who attended the meeting included Bishan Dass, Durga Dass Thappa, Kaka Ram Falgota, Puran Chand Baru, Madan Mohan Dubey, Ajit Singh, Prabh Dayal, Swarn Singh Charak, Bashir Mohd Malik, Magger Singh, Nar Singh. Tara Mani, Bodh Raj and Jaswant Singh.Shiv Kumar Sharma, who is also treasurer of the Indian Style Wrestling Association of India, said that the event is organised every year on the birthday of Dr Karan Singh, Member Parliament. He further informed that all the wrestlers who come over their will get chance to compete may be they are local are outsiders. All the Wrestlers will get both sides bus fare in addition to handsome cash prize Sharma said vetern wrestlers, ustad and technical officials will also be honored.Pappu lakri, Vijay Singh (Biju), Mohd. Fareed, Bishan Dass, Durga Dass Thappa, Kaka Ram Falgotra, Babu Ram Pathania have been appointed as technical officials for the smooth conduct of the event. An expenditure of Rs 60,000 is likely to be incurred in this one day long competition. The whole amount has been generated by Jhajjar Kotli Dangal Committee by means of donation and contribution.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Nagrota, has consented to be the chief guest in this dangal while Shiv Kumar Sharma shall preside.
Meanwhile, wrestlers who are interested to take part in this dangal can still contact Shiv Kumar Sharma (94191 61880) to confirm their entries.

Apr 11, 2010

WRESTLERS TRAINING AT GURU CHAND ROOP'S AKHARA

Wrestlers train a Guru Chand Roop's akhara in Azadpur. The elderly guru-ji still does most of the coaching himself. In the video he is heard in the background shouting instructions as the wrestlers practice takedowns.