Wrestling News: At the heart of Delhi is situated probably India’s best wrestling academy, the Chhatrasal Akhada. It is from here that Olympians like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt have been churned out. The Delhi Wrestling Federation has been a big support to help the akhada produce good wrestlers. Jai Prakash, President of the state federation said that they are in touch with all the akhadas in Delhi and help them in whatever way necessary. “We help them financially and also provide them with equipment when necessary,” he told WrestlingTV.
Here is an excerpt of the interview
WrestlingTV: Tell us about yourself.
Prakash: I became president in 2018. Since then, we have been working closely with all the akhadas in Delhi. Be it the Changdiram akhada, Hanuman akhada or the Chhatrasal akhada we are in contact with everyone and provide them support. I have also been a wrestler. During my playing days, I have won bronze at Commonwealth Games 1982. I have also won multiple national championships and Hind and Bharat Kesari awards.
WrestlingTV: How are you promoting wrestling in the state?
Prakash: Delhi has produced some of the biggest names in Indian wrestling like Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt. Now, we have Deepak Punia and Ravi Dahiya. All of them trained here. We conduct local dangals and mat competitions. We even conduct championships to promote the sport. Our main aim is to promote women’s wrestling and for it we announce at every competition asking parents to encourage girls to take up the sport. We even organise all women’s wrestling competition for the purpose.
WrestlingTV: What is your aim once things normalise?
Prakash: We are looking for more sponsors and need government support to host more local competitions. We are open to discussions and new ideas. Once things start getting normal we will seek new opportunities to promote wrestling.
