Pehlwani Wrestling Guide

Pehlwani Wrestling (Kushti) is a form of martial arts that focuses on strength and agility. It is one of the oldest forms of wrestling in the world and has been practiced for centuries in India and Pakistan.

In this blog post, we will discuss the history and benefits of Pehlwani wrestling, and show you how to get started with this exciting sport.

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pehlwani wrestling

What Is Pehlwani Wrestling?

Pehlwani Wrestling is a wrestling style that focuses on strength and agility. It is one of the world’s oldest wrestling styles, and it has been practiced for millennia in India and Pakistan.

The sport is also known as Kushti, which means “wrestling” in Hindi. Pehlwani wrestlers are known for their impressive physiques and are some of the strongest athletes in the world.

History in a Nutshell

Although its origins are vague, Pehlwani wrestling is a sport with a long and rich history. Often referred to as “Indian wrestling,” it is said to have originated in the subcontinent over 2,000 years ago.

It first gained popularity in the Mughal Empire, where it was often used as a form of entertainment for royals and nobles. Pehlwani wrestling remained popular throughout the British Raj, and after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, it became a part of Pakistani culture as well.

The sport reached its peak in the mid-20th century when it was televised and broadcast throughout the country. However, Pehlwani wrestling has declined in popularity in recent years and is now practiced only by a small number of enthusiasts.

How Is Pehlwani Played?

The objective of Pehlwani wrestling is to throw your opponent to the ground and pin them. The match is fought in a circular arena called a Dangal, which is similar to a boxing ring.

Pehlwani matches are divided into two parts: the first part is called palla, and the second part is called Kushti. In the palla, each wrestler tries to throw their opponent to the ground using a variety of throws and takedowns.

If one wrestler is able to throw their opponent, they score a point. The Kushti is the second part of the match, and it is fought until one wrestler is able to pin their opponent’s shoulders to the ground for a count of three.

Pehlwani Wrestling Rules

The goal of this form is to force your opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. Unlike sumo, there are no weight classes in Pehlwani wrestling, and competitors can be of any size.

There are also no special outfits or shoes required; wrestlers simply wear loose-fitting clothing. The most important part of Pehlwani wrestling is the grip. Wrestlers must use both hands to grip their opponent’s upper body, and they cannot let go until the match is over.

This makes Pehlwani wrestling a very physically demanding sport. Competitions are typically held on a clay or dirt ring, and matches can last for hours.

The first wrestler to force their opponent to touch the ground three times is declared the winner. This is a unique and challenging sport that requires strength, endurance, and skill.

Benefits of Pehlwani Wrestling

Pehlwani wrestling is an excellent way to build strength and agility. The sport also requires a great deal of discipline and mental focus.

In addition to its physical benefits, Pehlwani wrestling is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. The sport requires complete concentration and focus, which can help you to forget about your day-to-day worries.

What Is the Diet of Pahalwan?

The diet of a Pehlwan is very important. They need to eat foods that will give them energy and help them recover from their workouts. Pehlwans typically eat a lot of meat, vegetables, and dairy products. They also consume high-protein foods such as eggs and chicken.

In addition to their regular diet, Pehlwans also consume a special mixture of milk and spices known as Keshar. This mixture is said to help Pehlwans build muscle and recover from their workouts.

Pehlwani Wrestling Training

Pehlwani wrestlers train for hours each day, perfecting their skills and building their strength. The training is grueling, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Kushti wrestlers must be skilled in both offensive and defensive techniques, and they must be able to think quickly and decisively in order to succeed in the competition.

The sport of Pehlwani wrestling requires immense physical and mental discipline, and those who dedicate themselves to the sport often find that it helps them to achieve success in other areas of their lives as well.

For many Kushti wrestlers, the training is not just about becoming the best wrestler possible – it is about developing the strength of character and mind necessary to overcome any challenge.

Is Kushti Wrestling Effective for Self-defense?

Yes, Pehlwani Wrestling is an effective form of self-defense as it teaches you how to control and overpower your opponent using techniques such as throws and takedowns. The sport also requires a great deal of mental focus and discipline, which can help you to stay calm and collected in a dangerous situation.

Is It Popular?

Today, it is one of the most popular sports in Pakistan, with thousands of athletes competing at the national level. It has also begun to gain popularity in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see more and more athletes from around the world competing in Pehlwani wrestling tournaments.

Getting Started with Pehlwani Wrestling

If you’re interested in trying Pehlwani wrestling, there are a few things you should know before getting started.

First, it is important to find a reputable coach. There are many unqualified coaches out there who will not be able to teach you the proper techniques.

Second, Pehlwani wrestling is a very physically demanding sport. It is important to make sure that you are in good physical shape before starting.

Third, Pehlwani wrestling is not for everyone. The sport requires a great deal of discipline and focus. If you are not willing to put in the work, you will not be successful.