Kushti: Traditional Indian Mud Wrestling (10 Pics)

Training methods have remained mostly unchanged for over 150 years. Wrestlers follow a strict routine that includes yoga, rope climbing, lifting logs, and running. Massage is also an important part of their daily practice. During wrestling or practice sessions, each wrestler wears a Langot—a traditional loincloth usually worn before entering the Akhara. Before a match, wrestlers throw mud on themselves and their opponents for good luck. A match is won by pinning the other wrestler’s shoulders and hips to the ground.

Kushti isn't just a sport—it's an ancient subculture where wrestlers live and train together, following strict rules about everything from what they can eat to how they spend their free time. The focus is on living a pure life, building strength, and sharpening wrestling skills. Sadly, in cities, traditional Akharas are being replaced by modern gyms. But Kushti is more than just a sport—it is a lifestyle. Wrestlers avoid alcohol, smoking, and even sex. They live simply, eat carefully, and train hard to become stronger and better at their art.