Photographer Bas Uterwijk is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this documentary photography. These images are from his project ‘Kushti‘. To see Bas’ body of work click on any image.
The ancient art of Kushti wrestling is still practiced in large parts of India and Pakistan.
Most schools (akharas) are adapting to international wrestling competition rules by alternatively training on an indoor mat next to the traditional sand pit.
The sand is mixed with mustard oil, milk or ghee and has a very historic and symbolic meaning to the fighters: it represents Mother India herself.
Most wrestlers permanently live inside the akhara. They follow a strict vegetarian diet and extremely intense training schedule.
New Delhi, India
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By Bas Uterwijk
