Karnataka - Bellary   

Excitement marks wrestling competition

BELLARY: When Ramesh Duske of Belgaum and Basavaraj of Davangere entered the arena, a gathering of over 4,000 people watched in rapt attention, observing the techniques they used to wrestle each other. Every change of position was applauded by the crowd.

This was the scene at the college grounds in Hospet where the traditional wrestling competitions organised by the local Utsahi Nayak Sangha as part of the Dasara festivities were held. This tradition has not only been kept alive for several years now but has also gained in popularity. Some of the spectators even distributed cash to the winners. Wrestling is a favourite contest of the people in Hospet, which has several “garadi mane” in the seven “Nayak keris,” producing many “pehalwans”. The people of Hospet, under the aegis of various organisations and philanthropists, organise wrestling contests regularly and invite wrestlers from various districts in the State as well as from Maharashtra to participate.

Anil Ghorpade from Mudhol; Mallappa Patil, Vinayak and Manju Mudhol (all from Davangere); Sachin Kildar, M. Suhas, Ashok Guggari and Shambhu Savadatti (all from Sangli); Manju Kakkeri from Belgaum; Kurvatteppa from Dharwad; and Yusuf from Belgaum were among the wrestlers who participated.

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