Desi wrestling, often referred to as Pehlwani or Kushti, is a long-established kind of grappling that is performed in Punjab, Pakistan.
Desi wrestling originated in ancient Persia and has been popular in India for a long time. In Punjab, it is a popular sport among rural communities, and many wrestlers start training at a young age.
The traditional training methods for desi wrestling involve a strict regimen of diet, exercise, and practice. Wrestlers follow a specific diet that includes milk, ghee, and almonds to build strength and stamina. They also perform exercises like push-ups, squats, and rope climbing to develop their muscles.
Wrestlers compete in a mud pit called an akhara, and matches are held in front of an audience. The rules of desi wrestling are simple: the first wrestler to pin his opponent’s shoulders to the ground wins the match. Wrestlers frequently employ a range of strategies, like grips and throw, to obtain the upper hand throughout lengthy matches.
Punjabi culture places a lot of importance on Desi wrestling, and numerous well-known wrestlers have come from the area.
Even now, tournaments are performed all year to display the talents of nearby wrestlers because the sport is still widely practiced.
Photo Credit Akhtar Hassan Khan Photography