Kushti

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is a historic hub for kushti (wrestling), deeply rooted in its culture. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1894–1922) promoted the sport, establishing legendary akhadas like Gangavesh and Motibag. Wrestlers (pehelwans) train rigorously in mud pits, following strict routines of exercise, traditional grappling, and a disciplined diet rich in milk and ghee. For many families, wrestling is a generational legacy symbolizing strength and perseverance. Despite financial challenges and modern sports' rise, Kolhapur’s wrestling spirit endures, with young pehelwans keeping this tradition alive.