Street Games Of India: Common Games Played on Streets

Street Games Of India: Kushti (Wrestling)

Wrestling is an ancient Indian sport. In ancient times kings sometimes didn’t fight battles but sent their champion wrestlers to engage in a match. The wrestler who felled his rival was supposed to have won victory for his king.

For centuries wrestling has been practiced for body building. The technique of interlocking the arms, using the torso and legs to twist and turn the opponent’s body, and fell it, is difficult and requires stamina. It needs strength to flatten one’s opponent, when he lies firmly on his stomach like a rock. A master wrestler, who has trained his body and built himself up by eating butter, milk and almonds, can defy the wrestler on top for hours.

After a wrestling match, the pleasure of washing off the earth and sweat off one’s body under a shower, or in running water is something to be remembered.