kushti

Kushti, also spelled koshti or kushti, is a traditional form of wrestling from the Indian subcontinent. It is both a sport and a training system and is commonly practiced under the umbrella of pehlwani, a broader martial art that blends local wrestling with Persian influences. The craft is traditionally taught in akharas, or wrestling pits, where wrestlers train from a young age under a guru.

Origins of kushti lie in ancient Indian wrestling traditions such as malla-yuddha, with later Persian and Mughal influences contributing to styles and techniques. The practice remains strongest in parts of India and Pakistan and has spread to diasporic communities worldwide, where akharas continue to act as social and cultural centers.

Training and technique emphasize physical conditioning, grips, throws, pins, and groundwork. Wrestlers, known as pehlwans, typically train in a dirt or mud pit and wear a langot, a loincloth that is part of the traditional attire. A regimen commonly combines resistance work, calisthenics, technique sparring, and a disciplined diet rich in dairy products, legumes, and protein to support strength and endurance.

Competition is typically conducted in an akhara or public arena. A bout is won by a fall, when one wrestler pins the opponent to the ground, though regional rules may vary. Beyond sport, kushti is seen as a path to discipline, health, and cultural heritage, sustaining a network of coaches, families, and communities across South Asia.