Wrestling in Pakistan

Wrestling in Pakistan, known locally as koshti (Urdu: کشتی), has been practiced since ancient times, mainly in Punjab (Pehlwani) and Sindh (Malakhra).

Babur, the first Mughal emperor, was a wrestler himself and could reportedly run very fast for a long distance while holding a man under each arm.

Mughal-era wrestlers sometimes even wore bagh naka on one hand, in a variation called naki ka kushti or "claw wrestling".

Official titles awarded to koshti champions are Rustam, a hero's name of the Persian Shahnameh epic.

Rich feudal lords and influential persons maintain famous Malhoo (wrestlers) and organize matches for them.

Every "pehlwan" or "mulh" needs to oil his body on a daily basis to ensure strength and agility during the fight.

The diet of most wrestlers in Pakistan is based on khurak-e-pehlwan (Urdu: خوراک پهلوانی) which include a healthy daily serving of milk, clarified butter (گھی or ghee) and ground almonds.

A large hearty meal was followed by a drought of a cool drink (‘thandai’) made of mixed substances, usually milk, nuts and fruits.

[3] It has been said that most of the moves found in the wrestling forms of other countries are present in kushti, and some are unique to South Asia.

Water is added every few days to keep it at the right consistency; soft enough to avoid injury but hard enough so as not to impede the wrestlers' movements.

[8] A win is achieved by pinning the opponent's shoulders and hips to the ground simultaneously, although victory by knockout, stoppage or submission is also possible.