Wrestling is an ancient Indian sport. In ancient times kings sometimes didn't fight battles but sent their champion wrestlers to engage in a match. The wrestler who felled his rival was supposed to have won victory for his king.

For centuries wrestling has been practiced for body building. The technique of interlocking the arms, using the torso and legs to twist and turn the opponent's body and fell it, is difficult and requires stamina. It needs strength to flatten one's opponent, when he lies firmly on his stomach like a rock.

A master wrestle, who has trained his body and built himself up by eating butter, milk and almonds can defy his opponent for hours.

For us kids, this was a sport we played almost everyday, though most of the bouts were unofficial and unforeseen ones. The older boys used to have matches to test their strength and skill. We too had our own 'tournaments' where we would try to imitate our heroes. Even though we were just little amateurs, this was one game we took very seriously. Personal honor was at stake. Often we would get so carried away by our enthusiasm that we would have to be forcibly pulled apart. All in all, it wasn't too bad - as long as you managed to rub your opponent's face in the dirt!

After a wrestling match the pleasure of washing off the earth and sweat off one's body under a shower, or in running water is something to be remembered.