wo14 NOV india rural wrestling

The National
  • With taleems - training schools - shut because of the Covid-19 lockdown, only those living there could train, and only indoors. Sanket Jain for The National
    With taleems - training schools - shut because of the Covid-19 lockdown, only those living there could train, and only indoors. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Wrestlers with their coach, Maruti Mane, centre, the Juna Hanuman taleem in Pargaon village of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district. Sanket Jain for The National
    Wrestlers with their coach, Maruti Mane, centre, the Juna Hanuman taleem in Pargaon village of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Sachin Salunkhe, like thousands of rural wrestlers, has to work a number of jobs to make ends meet and fund his diet and training. Sanket Jain for The National
    Sachin Salunkhe, like thousands of rural wrestlers, has to work a number of jobs to make ends meet and fund his diet and training. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Sachin Salunkhe drags Mr Mane's 20-year-old son Shankar in one of the training exercises. Sanket Jain for The National
    Sachin Salunkhe drags Mr Mane's 20-year-old son Shankar in one of the training exercises. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Two wrestlers prepare to grapple in the local form of wrestling known as Kushti. Sanket Jain for The National
    Two wrestlers prepare to grapple in the local form of wrestling known as Kushti. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Every day wrestlers begin their training as early as 5 in the morning and have practise bouts at least thrice a day. Sanket Jain for The National
    Every day wrestlers begin their training as early as 5 in the morning and have practise bouts at least thrice a day. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Children as young as 10 begin training for wrestling and adhere to a strict discipline. Sanket Jain for The National
    Children as young as 10 begin training for wrestling and adhere to a strict discipline. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Before starting their training, every wrestler touches the feet of vastaad (coach) as a tradition. Sanket Jain for The National
    Before starting their training, every wrestler touches the feet of vastaad (coach) as a tradition. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Some wrestlers and wrestling schools receive support from enthusiasts or local companies. Sanket Jain for The National
    Some wrestlers and wrestling schools receive support from enthusiasts or local companies. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Rope climbing is a common exercise to help wrestlers develop a firm grip. Sanket Jain for The National
    Rope climbing is a common exercise to help wrestlers develop a firm grip. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Wrestlers cover themselves with mud before a bout, ensuring they maintain their grip. Sanket Jain for The National
    Wrestlers cover themselves with mud before a bout, ensuring they maintain their grip. Sanket Jain for The National
  • The wrestlers train on earthen pits that cost at least 50,000 rupees a year to maintain. Turmeric, curd, ghee, spices, and other natural curatives are added to the soil. Sanket Jain for The National
    The wrestlers train on earthen pits that cost at least 50,000 rupees a year to maintain. Turmeric, curd, ghee, spices, and other natural curatives are added to the soil. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Every day wrestlers need to spend at least 500 rupees on food to maintain their weight, fitness and stamina. Sanket Jain for The National
    Every day wrestlers need to spend at least 500 rupees on food to maintain their weight, fitness and stamina. Sanket Jain for The National
  • With the wrestling season suspended, rural wrestlers are finding it tough to continue their training. Sanket Jain for The National
    With the wrestling season suspended, rural wrestlers are finding it tough to continue their training. Sanket Jain for The National
  • Wrestling matches held at village fairs remain a major source of income for the wrestlers, who then use the prize money for the upcoming season’s training. Sanket Jain for The National
    Wrestling matches held at village fairs remain a major source of income for the wrestlers, who then use the prize money for the upcoming season’s training. Sanket Jain for The National