Kolhapur gets its maiden Hind Kesari contest

Although Kolhapur has a rich tradition in wrestling, it is hosting  the Hind Kesari Kusti (wrestling) competition for the first time. The April 20-22 contest marks the centenary of Shahu Khasbaug Kusti Akhada.

“Shahu Maharaj ins 1912 constructed the Khasbaug Kusti Maidan like the grounds in Europe for the Hind Kesari title. This contest is the apt homage to the famous ground,” Bal Gaikwad, the trustee of Kolhapur Zilla Rashtriya Talim Sangh (KZRTS), the organiser of the competition, told DNA.

Maharaj’s Rome visit in 1902 inspired him to construct a wrestling stadium in Kolhapur.

The work started in 1906. The stadium is triangular with akhada in the centre. The sitting area is sloping for spectators to see the event from any corner.

The Indian Style Wrestling Federation has been organising the Hind Kesari Kusti in the country on traditional soil (akhadas) since 1958.

Till date, seven wrestlers from the state have won the Hind Kesari title, including four from Kolhapur namely Shripati Khanchnale (1959), Ganpatrao Andalkar (1960), Chamba Mutnal (1975) and Vinod Chougle (2003).

“There will be around 26 teams each having eight wrestlers. Hosts Maharashtra will have two teams,” KZRTS trustee Bal Gaikwad told DNA.