The ancient art of Kushti wrestling is still practiced in large parts of India and Pakistan.

Most schools (akhara’s) are adapting to international wrestling competition rules by alternatively training on an indoor mat next to the traditional sand pit.

The sand is mixed with mustard oil, milk or ghee and has a very historic and symbolic meaning to the
fighters: it represents Mother India herself.

Most wrestlers permanently live inside the akhara. They follow a strict vegetarian diet and extremely
intense training schedule.

These photos were taken within a period of one week in three akhara’s in New Delhi India in August 2009.