Govt to rejuvenate traditional wrestling centres: Minister

Mysuru: Mysuru district minister HC Mahadevappa on Sunday assured that the govt will initiate measures for the rejuvenation of Garadi Mane, which are traditional wrestling training centres. Mysuru was famous for Garadi Mane from time immemorial, where wrestlers were trained in traditional wrestling.
Speaking after inaugurating the wrestlers' pairing process event organised by the Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee at Dasara Exhibition Grounds here, the minister recalled the contributions of the Maharajas of Mysuru for the promotion of wrestling in the Old Mysuru region.He said that due to their patronage, Mysuru has seen famed wrestlers like Rudra Muga, Balaji, Uribatti Nanjaiah, Dilwar, and Riyaz.
As the youth of this generation are losing interest in practising wrestling, the govt will come up with a detailed project for the rejuvenation of Garadi Mane after discussing with chief minister Siddaramaiah after the end of Dasara festival, he said. Before discussing with the CM, he said that he would interact with phelwans (wrestlers) and those in-charge of Garadi Manes to gather their opinions.
Though myself and Siddaramaiah did not practise wrestling, we have an avid interest in watching wrestling competitions, even attending such events along with their friends, Mahadevappa recollected.
"As sports unite people of all faiths together, the govt is committed to the promotion of sports, including wrestling," he said. As victory and defeat are common in every sport, he asked all the participants in the Dasara wrestling competitions to take both victory and defeat equally.
Dasara Wrestling Sub-Committee special officer L Nagesh said that the committee has decided to give preference to local wrestlers to take part in Dasara wrestling competitions. This year, the committee is conducting competitions for youths in the 17 to 18-years-old category to encourage youths, and wrestling competitions are being held for women as well.
BJP MLA TS Srivatsa urged the minister to set up residential schools exclusively to train wrestlers, to encourage youths to practise wrestling.
Karnataka Exhibition Authority chairman Ayub Khan, deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, city police commissioner Seema Latkar, DCPs M Mutturaj, BT Jhanavi, senior Pailwans Rangappa, Nanjappa, Rafeeq, and others were present.