Harshvardhan Sadgir got the better of compatriot Shailesh Shelke to lift the prestigious 63rd Maharashtra Kesari Wrestling Championships 2020 title. Both are mentored by Arjuna Awardee former international wrestler Kaka Pawar. In this unique and very popular wrestling (Kushti) event wrestlers fight both on mud as well as mat.
You will be amazed to know how the organizers of Maharashtra Kesari prepared AKHADA for the Mud Category of bouts. Just take a look what it took to make 9meter radius wrestling arena.
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How the MUD-ARENA was prepared
– To host the mud category matches, it required two arenas filled with therapeutic red soil from the hilly region
– Few truckloads of mud were brought to the venue
– Mud was filtered to remove stones and other impurities
– 1000 lemons, 250kg turmeric powder, 50kg camphor and 60 litters of assorted oil and clarified butter was added to the filtered soil so that it keeps arena safe for the wrestlers and it stays hygienic.
– Not only this everyday for 10 days – 60 litters of buttermilk was added to keep the soil moist
According to a report published in Pune Mirror, this entire process was followed to make the arena ready for the mud-bouts. The Maharashtra State Association office secretary Lalit Langde told the English daily that these preparations are norm to make the arena wrestling (Kushti) friendly for the athletes.
“These are high intensity fights wherein there’s a lot of friction and body rubbing. There’s a risk of wrestlers getting bruises, cuts or infection due to contact with the plain mud”. Langde told the newspaper.
Now the big question – with the champion crowned and the 2020 edition of Maharashtra Kesari over what will be done with the mud ? You will be further surprised to know the state association will donate the mud to a local AKHADA in the nearby area.
