'We lose a piece of who we are': The slow fade of mud wrestling in the heart of Old Delhi

Traditional wrestling akhadas in Old Delhi, once central to the city’s sporting life, are seeing a steady decline as public interest in desi wrestling reduces and local competitions fade.

A former Indian wrestler, who was not named, told news agency IANS that there was a time when dangals near Jama Masjid and other parts of Old Delhi attracted large crowds. "People would travel across the city just to watch bouts," he said. "It wasn’t just a sport — it was community, pride, and tradition rolled into one."

According to him, the downturn became more pronounced after the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns affected daily training, local tournaments were halted, and many akhadas faced financial problems. With limited support, several centres shut down, while others now function with fewer wrestlers than before.

The wrestler also pointed to concerns over the credibility of competitions. He alleged that fixed bouts and betting drove spectators away. "When spectators started feeling that some matches were staged and betting was involved, trust broke," he said. "Fans are smart — they can tell when something isn’t real."

He said the impact has been severe on young wrestlers, many of whom no longer see akhadas as a viable path to progress in the sport. Due to lack of exposure and financial support, several have shifted to other sports or stopped competing altogether.

Despite the challenges, the former wrestler believes the traditional sport can still be revived with institutional backing. "The Delhi government must step in to protect and promote traditional mud wrestling," he said. "These akhadas are part of our cultural heritage. If we lose them, we lose a piece of who we are."


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