Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is renowned for its deep-rooted tradition of kushti (wrestling), which has been an integral part of its cultural and sporting identity for centuries. The sport gained significant momentum during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (1894–1922), a progressive ruler who not only promoted wrestling but also implemented various social reforms to uplift the underprivileged. Recognizing the importance of physical fitness, discipline, and perseverance, Shahu Maharaj established multiple wrestling centers (akhadas) across Kolhapur, making it a hub for the sport. These centers attracted some of the finest wrestlers from across India, transforming the city into a powerhouse of traditional Indian wrestling. Over time, akhadas like Gangavesh, Shahupuri, Motibag, and New Motibag became legendary training grounds, producing numerous champion wrestlers.
Each of these akhadas functions as a taleem, a rigorous training institution where wrestlers dedicate themselves to a strict regimen that shapes their physical and mental endurance. Wrestlers, known as pehelwans, follow an intense daily routine, beginning before sunrise with hours of practice in the mud pit (akhada), performing exercises such as dand (push-ups), baithak (squats), and mallakhamb (aerial yoga on a wooden pole). Their training focuses not just on strength and technique but also on agility, stamina, and traditional grappling methods passed down through generations. A key aspect of their lifestyle is a disciplined and nutritious diet, which includes milk, ghee, almonds, bananas, and high-protein meals, often prepared within the akhada itself. The emphasis on simple living, strong moral values, and respect for elders and mentors is deeply ingrained in their upbringing, shaping not just their athletic careers but also their personal lives.
For many families in Kolhapur, wrestling is more than just a sport—it is a legacy that is passed down through generations. Parents encourage their children to join taleems from an early age, seeing it as a path to physical strength, self-discipline, and social respect. Completing wrestling training is regarded as a prestigious achievement, symbolizing dedication and perseverance. However, the path of a pehelwan is not easy, as training can be physically demanding and financially challenging. The cost of proper nutrition, medical care, and competition participation can be high, but families remain unwavering in their commitment to keeping this tradition alive. Despite the rise of modern fitness training and other sports, the spirit of kushti in Kolhapur endures, with young wrestlers continuing to step into the mud pits, carrying forward the legacy of their ancestors and keeping the rich heritage of Indian wrestling alive.
