Karnataka   

A brave effort to keep the heritage alive

Show of strength: Wrestlers in action at the championship in Chitradurga on Sunday.

Chitradurga: A wrestling championship was held in memory of the late Pehelwan Nanjappa here on Sunday.

As many as 36 wrestlers from neighbouring districts and a few from Maharashtra, had come to participate in the event. For the last 20 years, the championship was being organised by a few wrestling lovers and formers wrestlers of Chitradurga.

Pehelwan Rehman, a former wrestler and organiser of the championship, said the art was an integral part of Chitradurga’s history. It was promoted by the Palegars (feudal lords) of the district. To encourage this art, garadis (gymnasiums) were set up by the rulers. “These garadis symbolised the strength and power of the Nayakas. Having more garadis meant more power,” he said.

Mr. Rehman expressed regret over the losing popularity of the art. “There was a time when wrestlers were given the high respect. They were the pride of the kingdom. The rulers used to train them; a few even got the opportunity to become the king’s bodyguards,” he said.

But, owing to lack of encouragement and the advent of modern-day gymnasiums, people had begun showing less interest in the sport. Bhairappa, another former wrestler, said there were only a few wrestlers in the district.

Mr. Bhairappa, who has formed an association of former wrestlers, said that the association was seeking financial assistance from the district administration and elected representatives to promote the art. “To keep alive our heritage, we have been organising the tournament spending our own money. But it is difficult for us to continue like this for long. We need some support from the Government as well,” he said.

However, the excitement shown by the people who gathered at the middle school grounds where the championship was being held showed that the sport has takers.

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