Overview
- Governing body
- Bharatiya Kushti Sangh
- Origin
- Ancient India
- Olympic discipline
- No
- Category
- Combat
- Total players listed
- …
Kushti is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The Bharatiya Kushti Sangh oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Kushti is not currently on the Olympic programme, but it sits firmly inside India's broader sporting ecosystem. The discipline receives support through the Khelo India movement, multi-sport events such as the National Games and Asian Games trials wherever the sport is contested, and dedicated league or championship structures run by the federation. Sponsorship, broadcast deals and private academies often fill the gap that direct government funding leaves, and several state governments offer cash awards, government jobs and land grants to medallists at the National Games and recognised world championships.
Combat sport pathways in India are unusually deep because of the country's traditional akhara and dojo culture sitting alongside the modern federation structure. The Bharatiya Kushti Sangh runs sub-junior, junior, youth and senior nationals every year, and weight-category selection trials decide who represents India at continental and world events. Sports science, weight management and injury rehabilitation have become major focus areas since multiple Indian combat athletes have reached the Olympic and World Championship podium. SAI's combat-sport centres at Patiala, Lucknow, Bhopal, Sonepat and the IIS in Vijayanagar form the backbone of the elite training network.
At the grassroots, the route into Kushti typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Kushti originated in Ancient India, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Kushti, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the Bharatiya Kushti Sangh, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Kushti is played and developed across India under the Bharatiya Kushti Sangh, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How kushti evolved globally and took root in India.
Kushti traces its modern origins to Ancient India. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and Bharatiya Kushti Sangh is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, kushti grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under Bharatiya Kushti Sangh, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Kushti sits outside the Olympic programme but is firmly part of India's Asian Games, Commonwealth and National Games map, with state governments backing medallists through cash awards, jobs and land grants.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aakash PrasadGujaratWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Aanya KumarServicesMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Aanya SahooMadhya PradeshMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Aarav BishtChhattisgarhLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Aarav NaiduTripuraOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Aarvi ChakrabortyUttarakhandHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Aditi BhatiaHimachal PradeshDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Aditya DasMeghalayaLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Amaira ChatterjeeTamil NaduWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Ananya GhoshAndaman and Nicobar IslandsMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Ananya JoshiBiharAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Anika ShettyPuducherryMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Anjali VermaAndhra PradeshOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Ankit DesaiPuducherryLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Ankit SuriPunjabMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Anya JadhavArunachal PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Anya KarGoaWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Arjun PrasadMadhya PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Arjun VarmaAssamMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Aryan GoswamiChhattisgarhWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Aryan RanaServicesLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Atharv ShindeArunachal PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Avani KumarLadakhDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Avani TomarArunachal PradeshLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Bhavesh BhattacharyaSikkimAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Bhavesh NaiduMizoramDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Bhavna IyerKarnatakaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Bhavna JoshiNagalandMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Bhavna PawarHaryanaWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Bhumi MitraChhattisgarhWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Bhumi ShuklaWest BengalLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Chhavi NegiBiharMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Chhavi OjhaTelanganaOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Chhavi SubramanianAndaman and Nicobar IslandsLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Chhavi TopnoWest BengalAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Chhavi TyagiTamil NaduDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Chirag AhujaDelhiWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Chirag SenOdishaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Damini TuduArunachal PradeshHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Darshana BansalManipurOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Darshana KumarWest BengalWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Deepak PrasadMizoramDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Deepak TiwariOdishaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Deepali BhallaChandigarhMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Deepika OjhaOdishaWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Deepika ShahAssamHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Devansh ChakrabortyUttarakhandOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Devansh GuptaTripuraAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Dhruv RajputMizoramMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Divya KumarRailwaysLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Diya BhallaJammu and KashmirLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Esha DeshpandeKarnatakaHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Eshani PawarPunjabMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Faisal KarHaryanaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Faisal PradhanTamil NaduMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Faisal TopnoGujaratMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Faizan BishtPunjabMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Gargi AgarwalDelhiAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Gargi PillaiWest BengalMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Garima MenonOdishaWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Gaurav MukherjeeMeghalayaAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Gaurav VermaBiharMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Geetika KrishnanUttarakhandLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Hema BhatiaDelhiOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Hemant ChopraMaharashtraMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Hemant MalhotraKeralaHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Hemant MishraServicesWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Hiral SarkarWest BengalMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Imran TrivediChhattisgarhOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Imran TyagiGujaratHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Inder BhattacharyaServicesWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Inder BhosaleSikkimAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Inder DashRajasthanOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Inder PawarManipurMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Ishan SahooAndaman and Nicobar IslandsAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Ishan TiwariNagalandMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Ishan TyagiBiharDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Jaideep JoshiMadhya PradeshLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Jaideep SinghMadhya PradeshDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Janvi TyagiJammu and KashmirOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Jatin PatelMeghalayaMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Jatin RawatManipurWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Jatin SubramanianGoaOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Jyoti RaoPuducherryOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Jyoti RoyKarnatakaMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Kabir BishtRailwaysMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Karan BansalArunachal PradeshWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Karan SenHaryanaLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Kartik TopnoMeghalayaWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Kavya BhosaleRailwaysDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Kavya IyerAssamMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Keshav MitraGoaHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Komal KrishnanPunjabAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Krish BeheraAndaman and Nicobar IslandsDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Krish PillaiOdishaWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Lakshay DubeServicesMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Lakshay TopnoRailwaysAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Lakshay YadavChandigarhOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Lakshmi NegiHaryanaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Lipika SubramanianMadhya PradeshWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Lokesh MurmuChhattisgarhWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Lokesh NaiduJharkhandDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Madhav VermaLadakhAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Madhuri PillaiAndaman and Nicobar IslandsAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Madhuri SolankiDelhiMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Mahima AhujaBiharWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Manisha PatnaikJammu and KashmirMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Manisha ShuklaGujaratOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Mira BoseRailwaysHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Mridula MurmuKeralaDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Mridula ShahGujaratWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Mridula TrivediUttar PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Myra KhannaUttar PradeshDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Myra SaxenaJharkhandWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Myra SubramanianServicesMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Naina TrivediKarnatakaWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Naman GoswamiTamil NaduMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Neha NaiduPunjabMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Nidhi ChauhanKarnatakaOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Nidhi KumarSikkimMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Nikhil BansalMizoramWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Nikhil ChandraPuducherryMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Nikhil SrivastavaHaryanaDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Nikhil TrivediTamil NaduWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Ojas PawarJammu and KashmirWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Pari BeheraMadhya PradeshMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Pari PrasadMadhya PradeshDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Parth SuriJharkhandMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Pavan DeshpandeGoaMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Payal TopnoAssamMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Pragya KaurAndhra PradeshMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Pragya KulkarniRajasthanWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Pragya PathakWest BengalWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Pranav KamathRajasthanAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Pranav MurmuKarnatakaAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Preeti TomarDelhiMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Radhika ShuklaTripuraWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Raghav TiwariMizoramMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Raghav TomarSikkimWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Rahul BhattacharyaAndhra PradeshMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Rahul TrivediPuducherryDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Rakesh JoshiNagalandMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Rashmi GhoshServicesMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Reyansh KumarSikkimLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Reyna BhatiaRailwaysHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Reyna DuttaArunachal PradeshOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Rishi ShettyRajasthanWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Rishi SuriDelhiMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Ritvik SolankiRailwaysMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Riya AwasthiManipurWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Riya KrishnanNagalandHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Ruchi DashPuducherryMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Ruchi KhannaChandigarhLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Ruchi MarandiDelhiHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Ruchi MitraTripuraDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Ruchi MurmuPunjabMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Saanvi ShahTripuraWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Sameer PatelPuducherryLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Sandeep PradhanGujaratDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Sanket ParmarGujaratAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Sanya RanaRailwaysHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
- Shaurya BishtBiharWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Shaurya ChopraMeghalayaLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Shreya KrishnanTamil NaduMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Shreya KulkarniPunjabLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Shreya SinghMadhya PradeshLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Shreya TiwariUttarakhandDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Sneha KarJammu and KashmirOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Tanmay GhoshGujaratMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Tara AhujaGujaratMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Tara SinghServicesAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Tarun ChauhanMadhya PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Tarun RawatBiharWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Tarun TopnoGoaWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Trisha BansalArunachal PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Trisha KaurTripuraMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Trisha KrishnanUttar PradeshWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Urvi NairNagalandMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Vaishali AhujaGoaMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Vanya NairUttar PradeshWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Varsha MarandiAndhra PradeshAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Varsha TyagiKeralaMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Varun DasDelhiMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Varun DashTelanganaAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Vihaan JadhavManipurWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Vikas BansalNagalandWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Vikas TrivediUttar PradeshDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Vinay BhallaWest BengalDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Vishal GuptaManipurWelterweight
Welterweight pehelwan with strong dhak and ground control.
- Vishal NaiduOdishaWomen Kushti
Women's kushti pehelwan from the modern akhara movement.
- Vishal SharmaDelhiMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Yash BansalTripuraOpen Weight
Open-weight kushti wrestler with broad throwing repertoire.
- Yash NegiPuducherryMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Yash SenPuducherryDangal Specialist
Dangal-circuit specialist drawing crowds across north India.
- Yash ShahMizoramMat Crossover
Kushti pehelwan who also competes on the international wrestling mat.
- Zaid BoseKarnatakaLightweight
Lightweight pehelwan with quick dhobi-pat and rapid pin attempts.
- Zaid MitraHaryanaMud Wrestling
Traditional mitti kushti pehelwan trained in classical patterns.
- Zaid RoyChhattisgarhMiddleweight
Middleweight pehelwan with crushing kalajung and bridge defence.
- Zara DeshpandeGujaratAkhara Senior
Akhara senior who mentors juniors while still competing.
- Zara VarmaPunjabHeavyweight
Heavyweight pehelwan with imposing presence in the akhara.
Rules
Bouts are decided across a fixed number of rounds inside a ring, mat or cage, with victory by points, submission, technical superiority, knockout, disqualification or referee stoppage depending on the discipline. Weight categories are strictly enforced, weigh-ins are held before every event, and the referee has full authority to stop a bout for safety. WADA anti-doping and federation medical clearance apply at every level.
Authoritative rulebook: Bharatiya Kushti Sangh. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a kushti squad or competition.
- Fighter / competitorContests bouts inside the ring, mat or cage in a set weight category.
- Corner / secondCoach in the corner during the bout — allowed to instruct between rounds.
- Referee & judgesOfficiate the bout, score rounds and enforce safety rules.
- Cutman / medicalManages cuts, swelling and immediate medical needs between rounds.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in kushti at a federation-recognised event.
- Approved gloves, headguard, mouthguard, groin guard and shin/instep protection
- Weight-class-appropriate singlet, gi, dobok or shorts
- Wraps, tapes and cornerman kit
- Weigh-in scale, timer and mat/ring/cage to federation spec
- Medical and cutman supplies at every bout
Governing body
Bharatiya Kushti Sangh is the recognised national body for Kushti in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for kushti. State associations under Bharatiya Kushti Sangh run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- Ancient India
- Olympic
- No
- Category
- Combat
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the kushti calendar in India.
- Bharatiya Kushti Sangh Senior National Championship
The primary domestic kushti title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- Bharatiya Kushti Sangh Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Kushti
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Kushti
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in kushti.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by Bharatiya Kushti Sangh; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in kushti.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the kushti calendar outside the Olympic year.
Leagues
No dedicated professional league is currently catalogued for kushti. The national championship under Bharatiya Kushti Sangh remains the top domestic competition.
All leagues →International Players
Globally recognised kushti athletes to know outside India.
- Mikaela Mayer (USA) / Naoya Inoue (Japan)World-title boxers headlining the current pro scene.
- Islam Makhachev (Russia)UFC lightweight champion.
- Zaur Uguev (Russia)Two-time Olympic and multiple-time World wrestling champion.
- Kim Yu-Jin (South Korea)Olympic taekwondo gold medallist.
- Uta Abe (Japan)Olympic and World judo champion.
Records
Where to find India's official kushti record book.
- Olympic medalsN/A
Kushti is not on the Olympic programme, so India records this discipline through Asian Games, Commonwealth, World and Continental championships instead.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in kushti are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the Bharatiya Kushti Sangh.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in kushti are maintained by the Bharatiya Kushti Sangh.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for kushti and mirrored by Bharatiya Kushti Sangh.
- National record holdersFederation register
Bharatiya Kushti Sangh publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in kushti — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- National-camp athlete on TOPS with international competition support
- Coach at SAI, private academy or dojo/akhara
- Referee, judge and cornerman certified by the federation
- Cutman, sports medicine and combat-specific physiotherapy
- Government jobs via sports quota, defence and paramilitary intake
- Fight promotion, MMA/boxing management and broadcast careers
Related academies
0 listedNo kushti academies are catalogued in the directory yet. Browse the full academy list or list your academy to appear here.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for kushti athletes and academies.
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All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about kushti in India.
Who governs Kushti in India?▾
Bharatiya Kushti Sangh is the recognised national federation for Kushti in India. State associations under Bharatiya Kushti Sangh run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Kushti an Olympic sport?▾
Kushti is not currently on the Olympic programme, but India competes at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games (where recognised), World Championships and other continental events sanctioned by Bharatiya Kushti Sangh.
How do I start playing Kushti in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Kushti athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Kushti?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Kushti athletes selected for international events?▾
Bharatiya Kushti Sangh runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Kushti in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Kushti in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Kushti in Andhra Pradesh
- Kushti in Arunachal Pradesh
- Kushti in Assam
- Kushti in Bihar
- Kushti in Chhattisgarh
- Kushti in Goa
- Kushti in Gujarat
- Kushti in Haryana
- Kushti in Himachal Pradesh
- Kushti in Jharkhand
- Kushti in Karnataka
- Kushti in Kerala
- Kushti in Madhya Pradesh
- Kushti in Maharashtra
- Kushti in Manipur
- Kushti in Meghalaya
- Kushti in Mizoram
- Kushti in Nagaland
- Kushti in Odisha
- Kushti in Punjab
- Kushti in Rajasthan
- Kushti in Sikkim
- Kushti in Tamil Nadu
- Kushti in Telangana
- Kushti in Tripura
- Kushti in Uttar Pradesh
- Kushti in Uttarakhand
- Kushti in West Bengal
- Kushti in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Kushti in Chandigarh
- Kushti in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Kushti in Delhi
- Kushti in Jammu & Kashmir
- Kushti in Ladakh
- Kushti in Lakshadweep
- Kushti in Puducherry