Wrestling

Wrestling, the sport of mind and body was nurtured in Mysore for centuries. It is a traditional and ancient sport recognized from the days of Sri Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar from the pre-independence era has gone on to become the most popular sporting events to be conducted regularly during the Dasara festivities.

This traditional sport was introduced by the rules of Mysore and they encouraged this sport by this way. Initially wrestling were conducted in the Mysore palace premises at a separate place called “Karikalhota” (a place where wrestling was held and arena was made of black stones). Bharatia style mud wrestling bout were also held in front of the Palace entrance facing the exhibition grounds. A large crowd would come and witness the wrestlers in action and even the Maharaja would be among their midst.

Before the independence days, Mysore had produced famous wrestlers like Railway K.G. Koppal Basavaiah, Champion Pappaiah, Badekeri Chikkaiah and Amiruddin who gained popularity due to their excellent performance. Bouts were conducted frequently once in a month and it attracted quite a few participants from various places. Wrestling became a regular feature in the Dasara festival which was celebrated with pomp and splendor during the Maharaja’s days.

After Independence, the wrestling events were shifted to a place in the city behind K.T. Street area. Competitions were held in this place and also at the Maharaja’s College grounds. During this period wrestlers like Railway Sanboraiah, Star Ramu, Srikantaiah, Putnanjanna, Sunder and Krishnaji Rao were seen in action and gained name and fame and their individual style of wrestling.

Around 1960, the action shifted to the Doddakere grounds, where under the patronage of Sahukar Chennaiah, who being a Minister evoked keen interest in developing this sport. With his and Mr. Shivananjappa’s initiative a wrestling Akhada at Doddakere grounds came up and it was christened with the name of Sahukar Chennaiah and has been called so ever after.

During that time famous wrestlers like Nagaraj Patel and Late Thippaiah made their mark in the Indian level. Thippaiah won the All India Veera Abhimanyu title in 1962 beating famous wrestlers Malwa in an All India tournament. He also won a silver maze for winning he competition at the All India level. Nataraj Patel also won an All India Competition in the 52 kgs category in Bangalore.

From 1975 the wrestlers also took up wrestling in mats in Greeko Roman style. Wrestling events were conducted frequently and attractive cash prizes were given away to the winners. Events were conducted in different weight categories. Many wrestlers made their mark and represented Karnataka in the national-level in different weight categories and won medals too. Notable medal winners in the Nationals were K.R. Rangaiah (1968-silver medal in the Chennai nationals), Ramachandra (Silver medal in the 1974 Indhkesari nationals), Rajanna (Silver medal in the 1982, Hyderabad nationals) and Gopikumar (Silver in the 1997 junior nationals).

In 1982 an adhoc wrestling committee of the District headed by present DIG D.N. Munikrishna worked hard for the improvement of the sport, and wrestling events once again began to be held at the Sahukar Chennaiah Kusti Akhada. The Mysore Jilla Garadi Sangha has been training wrestlers in their own Akhada from 1990 and many of them have gone onto represent the State in the nationals. The services of SAI wrestling coach L. Manjappa was utilized to the fullest extent by the MJGA.

From 1977 Dasara wrestling events were conducted in a grand manner and it coincided with the Dasara festivities. The then Chief Minister Late Devaraj Urs encouraged this sport and gave a face lift by introducing more benefits to the wrestlers. A separate wrestling events from then and separate funds were released by the Government for the conduct of the same.

80 percent of the amount allotted, according to a committee member is being spent for the welfare of the wrestlers, who are given enhanced prize money and allowances during the entire tournament. In 1995, when Mr. H.D. Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister, he announced new incentives to the wrestlers. He enhanced the monthly pension from Rs.150 to Rs.300 per month for veteran wrestlers. Cash prizes for title bouts were enhanced and a new face lift was given to the Dasara wrestling events.

The Sahukar Chennaiah Kusti Akhada was renovated during the National Games 97. The remodeling cost the Government around Rs.35 lacks. An arch was been constructed at the main entrance. The Akhada has been given a new face lift and the seating arrangements have been enhanced to 3000. It has been renovated and upgraded to international standards with a wrestling mat on a podium to bring alive the excitement of this ancient sport. An additional building has been constructed adjacent to the old one, which has a warm-up room, bathroom and change rooms. The first floor has facilities for the Press, Doordarshan and AIR.

Wrestling a traditional and ancient sport is one which attracts crowd in masses. Each Dasara Games wrestling events are keenly watched by thousands of spectators who come from different parts of the State and city to the City of palaces where Dasara festivities begin on the inaugural day of the wrestling events. This sport is very popular in Mysore, Davanagere, Belgaum, Gulbarga and top wrestlers of our State are products of these places. Dasara wrestling events conducted every year has a unique significance and brings together sportsman from different places who also enjoy taking part in a festive atmosphere. The City of Palaces, Mysore will all be decked up to host yet another Dasara Wrestling event during the month of Sept/Oct every year and many more Dasara wrestling events are in store in the years to come.