In akhadas; the Indian name for local gymnasiums that have trained aspiring Indian wrestlers for centuries, a discourse on gender equality has never been a matter of serious concern. Wrestling in India has been traditionally considered a ‘men only sport’ but this particular akhada in Varanasi has just began a social revolution by opening its doors to women wrestlers.
Swaminath Akhada at Tulsi Ghat; Varanasi, which according to this report by DNA was inspired by Aamir Khan’s film Dangal; that presents the journey of two female wrestlers in India, to allow women wrestlers in its grounds after 478 years of its inception. The women’s dangal; wrestling match, took place on the akhada’s soil on 28th July and proved many cynics wrong, who doubted the promising potential of women in wrestling. DNA also reported that many young girls across Uttar Pradesh have taken up wrestling after the release of the film Dangal; which released in December last year.
With recent path-breaking performances by sports personnels like badminton star P.V Sindhu, wrestling champion Sakshi Malik and the female Indian Cricket Team that entered the World Cup last month, we are confident that with growing opportunities Indian women will also make their mark in wrestling.
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