In anticipation of the grand Mysuru Dasara, a wrestling event was organised by Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha in  city yesterday.

A total of 50 pairs of male and 10 pairs of female wrestlers participated in the traditional wrestling matches held at the newly renovated Maharaja Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Kusti Akhada (wrestling arena) in Sahukar S. Chennaiah Sports Complex, Doddakere Maidan.

The competition commenced with the customary ‘matti puja,’ and wrestling enthusiasts gathered around the arena to cheer for their favourite athletes, further igniting the competitive spirit.

In an act that symbolises Mysuru’s rich cultural and sports history, esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji, who is currently in Mysuru for his Chaturmasya Vrata, congregated for the event, inaugurated by industrialist Jayadeep Bhalerao.

Prominent personalities in attendance included Advocate O. Sham Bhat, Sri Veeranjaneya Garadi Seva Trust President Pailwan Manju, K. Hemmanahalli’s Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple President M. Ganesh, Secretary G.N. Ananthavardhana, Auditor Gangadhar Gowda, Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha General Secretary  Pailwan S. Mahadev and Joint Secretary C. Basavaraj.

Wrestling figures like Puttasidda Nayaka, Ananthapadmanabha, Vijaykumar, M. Ganesh and Ishwar made significant contributions to the successful execution of the event.

Established in 1948, Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha has been actively promoting the traditional sport of wrestling. When Sahukar S. Chennaiah was the President and P.E. Shivananjappah was the Secretary of Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha, the then-Mysore State Governor Jayachamaraja Wadiyar inaugurated the wrestling area in Doddakere Maidan in 1962.

Since 1968, Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar assumed the role of Hon. President of Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha. With the aim of preserving and nurturing traditional wrestling in all conditions, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar took the initiative to promote traditional sports through H.H. Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation and oversaw the construction of the roof of the wrestling arena so that bouts could be held even during inclement weather.

Yesterday’s bouts were the first ones to be hosted at this renovated wrestling arena.