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July 2014 back issue
by David Shaw
Indian Kushti Wrestling, a brutal traditional Indian sport being practised at the Guru Muni Yayamshala wrestling club
in New Delhi. Local lads of all ages come here to train and compete in the sport which has been practised for
thousands of years. Also referred to as Pehlwani, the sport is played on a dirt arena and is won by pinning the
opponent’s shoulders and hips to the ground simultaneously. The arena is blessed with buttermilk, oil and red ochre
before a bout and a fight tends to play out for about 10 minutes. I visited a session with the group who where training
for an upcoming tournament in Delhi. Training and fighting hard, I enjoyed watching how they switched from being best
mates to aggressors in very short succession.
Kustigirs have to train very hard to keep their heavy and strong physique.
The Kustigirs always fight their hardest, whether in a friendly bout or competition.
Despite the brutality there are firm set rules in place.
A fight is won by pining the opponent’s shoulders and
hips to the ground simultaneously.
There is a wide age range training at the club.
Kustigirs training at the club.
The Kustigirs at this club are all close friends despite the vicious fighting that ensues.
A Kustigir takes a rest.
Kustigirs training at the club.
Taking a moment to use sand to stop the bleeding of a wound.
Kustigirs reflected on the previous fight.
Younger Kushti wrestlers watching the older and bigger fighters from the sides.
A Kushti wrestler.
A senior Kustigir and trainer helps the fighters with their training regime.
A branded Kustigir.
A Kustigir pulling stretches after the training.
Having a post training session wash.
The group have a communal wash after a hard training session.
