Dasara Wrestling 2026

Mysuru: Dasara Wrestling has been among popular events during the 10-day Dasara festivities in Mysuru. Traditional wrestlers from across the country take part in the tournament to prove their skills and establish their dominance on the ‘Kusti Akada.’ Every year, wrestling bouts have been attracting  a lot of audience.

This year, the Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee has introduced ‘Dasara Kishora Rathna’ along with existing titles ‘Dasara Kanteerava’, ‘Dasara Kesari’, ‘Dasara Kishora’, ‘Dasara Kishori’ and ‘Mysuru Dasara Kumar.’

Similarly, to encourage young wrestlers, the Sub-Committee has also introduced various awards such as ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuvodaya Award’, ‘Mysuru Dasara Kusti Yuvataare Award’, ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuva Veera Vanithe Award’, ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuva Pratibha Award’, ‘Mysuru Dasara Maurya Award’, ‘Mysuru Dasara Udayonmukha Veera Award’ and ‘Mysuru Dasara Kusti Kiran Award’ for various age groups.

The Dasara Wrestling Championships will be held at D. Devaraja Urs Multi-Purpose Stadium of Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) from Oct. 11 to 17.

Silver mace and cash awards

The winner in 86kg+ category, in the State level competition will be awarded ‘Dasara Kanteerava’ title along with 1 1/4kg silver mace and Rs. 15, 000 cash prize, Rs. 12,500 cash prize for the runner-up and 1st third place winner will be awarded Rs. 10,500 and 2nd third place winner will get Rs. 10,000.

For ‘Dasara Kesari’ (79 kg to 86 kg category), the winner will be handed over 1 kg silver mace along with Rs. 12,500 cash prize, ‘Dasara Kishora’ (57 kg category) will be awarded 1/2kg silver mace and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000.

The Sub-Committee like every year has also announced cash price for women’s tournament as well. In the women’s section, ‘Dasara Kishori’ (50 to 62 kg category) will be awarded 1/2 kg silver mace and Rs. 8,000 cash prize. The winner of ‘Mysuru Dasara Kumar’ title (79 kg and above) will be awarded 3/4 kg silver mace and Rs. 10,000 cash prize and winner of ‘Dasara Kishora Rathna’ title will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 7,000.

New titles announced

As a measure to encourage younger generation within the age group of 15 years to take up wrestling, the Sub-Committee has announced new titles including ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuvodaya’ (44kg) for which the winners will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 3,000, ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuvataare’ (52 to 57 kg) and ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuva Veera Vanithe’ for girls within the age group of 15 years and 58 kg category.

For boys within the age group of 17 years, ‘Mysuru Dasara Yuva Pratibha’ (60 kg), ‘Mysuru Dasara Maurya’ (80 to 92 kg), ‘Mysuru Dasara Udayonmukha Veera’ (57 kg girls) and ‘Mysuru Dasara Kusti Kirana Award’ (61 kg girls) have been announced.

This year’s Dasara Wrestling will feature 250 pairs of wrestlers fighting for supremacy in various categories. The Sub-Committee has also increased the number of titles to encourage young wrestlers. Traditional puja rituals have begun and necessary arrangements are already in place for the smooth conduct of the competition.

—L. Nagesh, Dy. Special Officer, Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee