Kusti Dangal takes off with thrilling bouts

Gold Coast Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rahul Aware led his team Pune Ustaad’s challenge against Mumbai Astra’s with cries of ‘Maar Musandi’ charging up the atmosphere at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Balewadi,Pune.

Aware was too good for his opponent Tukaram Shitole to win 14-0. Vinod Kumar also surged to 16-0 win over Ravindra Kare.  A couple of close bouts and a tie (6-6) between Sagar Markad and Saurabh Patil in which Mumbai’s Markad was declared winner, ensured none of the sides were disappointed at the end of the clash. Mumbai’s Lalita Sherawat outplayed Vishranti Patil by 16-1. Sanjay Sul of Mumbai Astra defeated Hanumant Puri by 6-3, but Vijay Chaudari of Pune Ustaad faught the better of Akshay Shinde 5-4 to make it 3-3 at the end of six bouts.

Earlier, the wrestlers of Yashwanta Satara led by Utkarsh Kale were too good for Kolhapuri Mawale. The ancient sport is expected to receive a fresh revival with six teams representing the strong wrestling heritage of Maharashtra. Conceptualised by Zee Talkies, Maharashtra Kusti Dangal has regional, national and international wrestling champions battling out for the ultimate prize and the maiden title. The final will be played on November 18.

Sharad Pawar Head – Maharashtra Kusti Parishad, and celebrities from the field of sports and entertainment graced the inaugural ceremony on Friday night.

“Our country and Maharashtra has nurtured years of wrestling tradition. Today, there is a great need to encourage young wrestlers from the villages and showcase them to the world. I am sure that the both new and established players will get the encouragement and the opportunity from Zee Maharashtra Kusti Dangal; and I hope that this great event will receive appreciation from the audience as well. Best wishes to all!” Pawar said.

The six teams representing Maharashtra are Veer Marathwada (owned by Nagraj Manjule), Kolhapuri Mavle (owned by Sai Tamhankar), Vidharbhache Wagh (owned by Swapnil Joshi), Yashwant Satara (owned by Purushottam Jadhav), Puneri Ustad (owned by Shantaram Manve and Paritosh Painter) and Mumbai Astra (owned by Pranav Dake) in the wrestling championship. Each team will play freestyle in accordance with Wrestling Federation of India rules. There are a total of 12 bouts daily between four teams.