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Journalism of Courage
The Grand Old Man of Indian wrestling, and one of the first macho men on the silver screen, Dara Singh looks every bit his age — 75 — but manages to radiate a glow of health that puts many a younger man to shame. The shoulders haven’t stooped, the stride does not falter, the near-regal air of a pioneer remains. And, he has maintained his touch with wrestling, even though it’s been 20 years since he last took to the akhara for a bout.
Nevertheless, mention wrestling, and the immediate reciprocatory warmth is evident. Speaking to The Indian Express when in town for a sport-related function, one of the first things Singh touches on is the mat format versus mud-wrestling battle, the latter — the akhara style — being the traditional training form for Indian wrestlers.
‘‘There is no justification in banning mud-wrestling. Whoever says that mud-wrestling is detrimental to the training of a wrestler in terms of success at national and international levels, where mats are used, should get their facts straight. Anyone can train at an akhara and then easily shift to the mat format,’’ says Singh. The current crop of Indian wrestlers look promising, says Singh, and singles out Kartar Singh for special praise.
