Wrestling craze growing among youngsters in city

Time of India

19-07-2025

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Prayagraj: Joining wrestling clubs seems to be becoming the latest fad among youngsters of Sangam City this Shrawan. Many are turning to the Jhunsi-based wrestling club to for fitness and pursue a career in wrestling.
Mukesh Yadav, who runs the railway akhara in Jhunsi, says: "The craze for wrestling among youngsters has increased this Shrawan, and they are working hard to learn tips to counter their rivals in the akhara. Youngsters are more inclined to join wrestling clubs after realising that prize money wrestling competitions are being organised during the festive occasion of the Shrawan month."
Apart from men, teenagers and girls are also learning traditional wrestling at the railway akhara.
"Apart from pursuing their studies, a section of youngsters is interested in learning the basics of wrestling," Yadav added. Sumit, a class XI student, who is the youngest grappler in the akhara, says: "Wrestling helps to maintain the fitness of an individual, and I also want to make a mark for myself in wrestling."
Mukesh Yadav, who has run the Jhunsi akhara for over two decades, says: "Most of the youngsters are from other cities and have taken rented accommodations to learn wrestling. They are very cautious about their diet and exercise." As many wrestling competitions (dangal) are organised on the Naag Panchmi festival, these wrestlers are looking forward to competing in the city as well as other districts of the region. Old-timers claimed traditional wrestling has some rules and is fought in areas with loose mud and sand.
Many competitions are organised during the month of Shrawan, and winners are felicitated with trophies and cash prizes. Earlier, there used to be 10-12 akharas in the region, but the number has come down to 2-3.