The ghats in Varanasi along the banks of Ganga, which are known for wrestling, saw women wrestle for the first time. Breaking the 450-year-old patriarchal tradition, Vishambhar Nath Mishra, The Chief Priest of Sankatmochan Temple took the reformatory step with the goal of encouraging local female wrestlers.
The annual wrestling contest organised by Sankat Mochan Foundation in memory of Amarnath Misra, the first priest of the temple, included the woman category for the first time in 25 years since its inception. Organised on the Assi ghat, in Akhada Tulsidas Goswami, women wrestlers fought in the 48-kg category and 75-kg category respectively.
During this competition, many female wrestlers spoke about the hardships they went through to practice and pursue wrestling as a profession.
Earlier we were not allowed to go into ‘Akhadas’ but now we not only have ‘Akhadas’ but also mats to practice.Sandhya, Wrestler
According to a young wrestler, Sandhya Yadav, with the passage of time, things are getting better. Wrestler Bhawna talks about how Aamir Khan’s Dangal has changed the perspective of people, especially parents towards female wrestling.
While talking about the struggle these girls go through, Wrestler Apeksha Singh talks about her hardships of living alone and managing her meals, studies and wrestling practice everyday in a city like Varanasi.
Mishra is overwhelmed with the response as 35 women participated in the first season. Citing the examples of Phogat sisters and Sakshi Malik, he points towards the positive trend the country is seeing as more and more girls are choosing a career in sports.
The girl who will emerge as the winner will take home a brand new cycle and a cash prize of Rs 2,300 and will also be awarded with the title of ‘Banaras Keshri.’
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