Kushti wrestling session, Varanasi, India

Ancient Indian style of wrestling called Kushti or Pehlwani, practised in a ring or gym called Akhada. This old traditional sport has become more popular recently and men can come to fame throughout India with this sport, or just practise fitness and worship, with prayers and blessings a normal part of every training and fight. The modern form of this sport draws from Mughal and Persian wrestling cultures, as well as older styles mentioned in ancient Indian epics as the Ramayana. Hanuman, one of the heroes there, was a great wrestler himself.