MLA Nagendra felicitates senior wrestlers

Mysore/Mysuru: Coinciding with the ongoing Dasara celebrations, Chamaraja MLA L. Nagendra inaugurated three new Wrestling Associations — Bharatiya Shaili Kusti Sangha (Indian Style Wrestling Association), Yuva Kusti Patugala Sangha (Association of Young Wrestlers) and Akhila Bharatiya Kusti Maha Sangha (All India Wrestling Association), at Sahukar Channaiah Wrestling Arena in Dasara Exhibition Grounds here yesterday morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Nagendra said that wrestling had its glorious moments during the times of Sahukar Channaiah. Noting that it is important to bring the wrestling glory back to the city, he said that Sahukar Channaiah Wrestling Arena had hosted many State-level and National-level  wrestling tournaments.

Maintaining that it is a good sign for wrestlers that three associations have been formed, he said that these associations must strive for attracting youths from all sections of the society which will greatly help in stopping the youths from taking to wayward ways and addiction to bad habits. He wished the associations all success in their future endeavours.

Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda too spoke.

The inauguration was marked by Matti Puja and several friendly wrestling bouts involving young pairs and adult pairs. The bouts were of three minutes duration for young wrestlers and five to ten minutes for adult wrestlers.

Rajyotsava awardee and senior wrestler from Mandya district Pailwan Mukunda, Pailwan Tiger Balaji, a senior wrestler from Bhutappa Garadi of the city and M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav (senior photo-journalist  of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra), who was a wrestler in his younger days, were felicitated on the occasion.

Earlier, Mayor Sunanda Palanetra launched the ‘Kusti Jyothi’ (Wrestling Torch) in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Palace North Gate. The torch was carried by Pailwan Vijendra of Palahalli  to Sahukar Channaiah Wrestling Arena.

MUDA Chairman H.V. Rajeev, KEA Chairman Hemanth Kumar Gowda, former MLAs Vasu and M.K. Somashekar, Corporator Chayadevi, Bharatiya Shaili Kusti Sangha President Pailwan Rajanna, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha General Secretary S. Mahadev and others were present.

Young wrestlers display impressive moves

The inauguration of the new Wrestling Associations was marked by  several friendly wrestling bouts involving young budding and adult wrestlers. The bouts, which were held at Sahukar Channaiah Wrestling Arena, had more than 15 pairs (both young and adult wrestlers) wrestle in friendly matches.

Dheeraj Sathvik and Kausthub (6 years) wrestled for three minutes duration displaying their wrestling skills which caught the eyes of all. The duration for adult wrestling bouts was five to ten minutes.

Senior wrestlers Pailwan Prasad of Kalale in Nanjangud lost to Sumanth of Chamundi Vihar Sports Hostel. The bout between Pailwan Vinayaka of Bhuthappana Garadi and Pailwan Thoukeer of Ishq Garadi ended in a draw.

Traditional wrestling bouts involving more than 15 pairs were held on the occasion.