Mysuru: Minister for Water Resources N. Cheluvarayaswamy inaugurated the point wrestling tournament organised by Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee at D. Devaraj Urs Multi-purpose Stadium at Dasara Exhibition Grounds,  here yesterday.

The opening bout in U-17 girls (61-kg category) between Ritu and Nandini attracted a lot of attention from the spectators who cheered the girls through continuous claps and whistles. Minister Cheluvarayaswamy also watched the intense fight between the two wrestlers.

Later addressing the gathering, Cheluvarayaswamy said the traditional wrestling was a rich culture of Mysuru.

“Wrestling, which was once a male-dominated sport, over the past few years has seen women making names for themselves. Watching Ritu and Nandini involved in the wrestling bout is a proof for the fact that women are no less than men in every field. Measures will be initiated to ensure wrestlers belonging to poor families are provided with nutritious food and necessary facilities,” he added.

Earlier, Municipal Administration Minister H.C. Balakrishna and Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy also wished the wrestlers. Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee Deputy Special Officer N.  Nagesh, Working President M. Dharmendra and Secretary Narasimhamurthy were present on the occasion.