Senior Congress leader Jaiprakash Aggarwal and Delhi Pradesh Congress President Devender Yadav boost morale of young wrestlers
Event organised in memory of World Champion Dand (11011), revered Guru Dharampal Yadav
New Delhi, January 19, 2026
The Yamuna Yuvak Kendra organised a grand traditional prize wrestling tournament on Sunday at Ghat No. 2 on the banks of the Yamuna in Old Delhi, reaffirming the city’s deep-rooted akhara culture. Conducted with discipline and traditional fervour, the event once again highlighted India’s indigenous wrestling heritage. Held continuously since 1967, the tournament has remained a landmark sporting tradition. This tournament was dedicated to the memory of legendary wrestler and guru, World Champion Dand (11011), late Dharampal Yadav.
Former Member of Parliament Jaiprakash Aggarwal inaugurated the tournament. Addressing the gathering, he said wrestling represents not merely physical strength but also discipline, values, and cultural identity. He paid tribute to late Dharampal Yadav for his contribution to the sport and praised the Yamuna Yuvak Kendra for preserving this legacy for nearly six decades.
Devender Yadav attended the event as the chief guest and offered floral tributes to late Dharampal Yadav. He emphasised the collective responsibility to protect and promote traditional sports, particularly mud akharas that continue to nurture grassroots talent. He also spoke about strengthening competitions such as Delhi Kesari to provide local wrestlers with greater national exposure.
Municipal Councillor Suman Gupta highlighted the role of traditional sports in shaping disciplined and confident youth. She assured continued cooperation from the municipal corporation in supporting such cultural and sporting initiatives.
Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi, General Secretary of Yamuna Yuvak Kendra, said the organisation hosts the tournament annually to keep Old Delhi’s akhara tradition alive. He also announced plans to organise regular monthly wrestling competitions in the future.
Meanwhile, tournament convener Khalifa Ajay Yadav said that more than 200 wrestlers from across the country participated in the competition. The intense bouts in the traditional mud arena kept spectators engaged throughout the day. While winners received cash prizes, all participants were also given encouragement incentives. The presence of Bharat Kesari wrestler Raj Singh further inspired the young wrestlers.
Several prominent personalities attended the event, including former MLA Surender Kumar, Anil Bhardwaj, Bhishma Sharma, Mahesh Kapoor, District President Mohd. Usman, Sunita Dhawan, Sardar Jagtaar Singh, and Jawaharlal Dhawan, along with akhara gurus, social workers, and community leaders. On the occasion, more than 100 social workers were honoured with shawls, mementoes, and traditional turbans.
Overall, the wrestling tournament emerged as a strong symbol of sport, culture, and social unity, once again bringing Old Delhi’s proud akhara legacy to the forefront.
