It is centuries-old was patronised by Mysore maharajas. Wrestlers in the city practise their sport, and exercise and tone their bodies in garadi manes or gymnasiums. The city’s oldest manes, Kunjana Garadi, dates back to 1900. Mansoor Ali from Bengaluru by Foot, says, “It was first established in Cubbon Park. In 1913, it was shifted to Thegalerpet.” The inscription on the rooftop still reads 1913.
The building was re-built in 1988, but keeping the skeleton and plan of the old structure intact. Kunjanna Garadi, says, “There were many well-known wrestlers back then. T Anayappa trained many wrestlers across India and promoted the sport. A wrestler, Krishnappa, won state-level championship in Hyderabad thrice. It was a hatrick in 1950s.”
“The wrestlers for various competitions and festivals were selected from Kunjanna Garadi. Trend of Ticket Kushti
Competitions between the garadis of different areas were regularly organised. Kunjanna Garadi says, “The ticket kushtis were like a challenge. Thousands to lakhs of people would pay and gather to watch the competition. People from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal would come down to Bengaluru to participate in the matches. The garadi used to challenge and lift the hand of their wrestler to announce his participation in the next match.”
A gada was the prize for the winner. “Even bets were placed during matches,” adds garadi mane researcher Maniganda Ranganathan.
“In 1952, a wrestler Chudi from Pakistan had come to wrestle here. He visited us last year to encourage and support wrestling.”
The Mysore Maharajas patronised the sport and helped it become popular. The wrestlers from Kunjana Garadi participate in the Dasara festival every year. Earlier, the bodyguards for the kings were also trained here. The soldiers were also trained in the garadi. “Our wrestlers staged a demonstration in a moving lorry during the procession at Karaga festival about a decade ago. It was to create awareness about the sport and our tradition. The devotee who leads the karaga procession, carrying the idol on his head, also undergoes fitness trainings here, say the wrestlers. Anyone can Wrestle
There is no age limit for the sport. The children start as early as when they are three to five years of age. “There are senior citizens too who do kushti,” says Maniganda. The community had organised a competition in Indiranagar last year. There were 10-year-olds and also a 60-year-old who participated. Sadashiv, a wrestler says, “I won a gold medal in jujutsu at Central Asian Championship held in India last year.” He also participated in world championship last year which was held in Thailand. Another wrestler Kantaraj had also participated in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition in the USA last year. There are about 30 pehelwans who are being trained here with the traditional equipment such as wooden clubs.
