Kushti or Indian traditional wrestling has a great historical legacy, with Dara Singh probably the most famous modern great. Which is why it's ironical that it took a Ukrainian to go about generating awareness about the sport in Christchurch. But at the same time, it also points towards the universal appeal of the fighting art form.
This is certainly how Demitri Korzh, an international wrestling coach who immigrated to New Zealand in 2002 feels about the sport.
“I was introduced to Kushti when I was in my primary school in Ukraine and the love-affair hasn't stopped since. During my stints with the national teams, first in my home country and then in Oceania and New Zealand, I have realised that Kushti is the best sport for total well-being, both mental and physical. This is the message I want to spread. That's why I got very excited when a chance meeting with Hitesh led to the conceptualisation of a Kushti workshop in one of the main streets of Christchurch.”
Hitesh Sharma, director of Christchurch-based event management company Revel Events who helped in organising the Kushti event, was visibly happy too.
“With so many young Indians from North India—where Kushti is very popular—immigrating to New Zealand, I see a lot of potentials for the sport to grow here. Moreover, we are always looking for organising events such as these, which have distinct Indian flavour. That's why, next in line is the Holi festival, to be held in Christchurch on March 5 followed by the Vaisakhi Mela a week later, on March 11,” he concluded.