Jammu, December 18,2025-The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, in collaboration with the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, is set to organise an International Dangal and ‘Rustam-e-Jammu & Kashmir’ Title Championship, a first-of-its-kind sporting event in the region aimed at promoting youth engagement, health and fitness while preserving the rich heritage of indigenous sports.
The championship will be held on December 20, 2025, at M.A. Stadium, Jammu, and is expected to draw massive public participation along with wide media attention.
Wrestling, popularly known as Dangal, Kushti or Pahalwani, holds deep cultural significance in Jammu, particularly in rural and border areas where the sport has been nurtured for generations. Preserving and promoting such traditional sports is vital not only for safeguarding cultural identity but also for instilling values of discipline, strength, resilience and community bonding among the youth.
The championship aims to revive this age-old sport by providing a modern and professional platform, while retaining its traditional essence. More than 50 national and international wrestlers are expected to participate, including renowned athletes from Russia, Iran and other Asian countries, alongside top wrestlers from across India.
Organised with technical support from the Indian Style Wrestling Federation of India, the event is poised to showcase high-quality competition and elevate the standard of indigenous wrestling in Jammu and Kashmir.
The championship will also serve as a platform to promote key government social initiatives, particularly the ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ and the ongoing fight against drug abuse. By actively engaging youth in sports and physical fitness, the event seeks to promote a healthy, disciplined and drug-free lifestyle, highlighting sports as a powerful tool for positive social change.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, through the Department of Youth Services and Sports and the J&K Sports Council, continues to play a proactive role in strengthening sports infrastructure and encouraging both traditional and modern sports. Such initiatives align with the government’s broader vision of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a vibrant hub for national and international sporting events, boosting sports tourism and providing greater exposure to local talent.
In addition to open category bouts, the championship will feature the prestigious ‘Rustam-e-Jammu & Kashmir’ Title, to be contested exclusively by wrestlers above 85 kg. The title winner will receive a cash prize of ₹50,000, along with traditional honours of Gurj (Gadda) and Patta. The runner-up and other position holders will also be awarded suitable cash prizes.
Around 50 wrestlers, supported by 15–20 officials, are expected to participate, while an audience of 10,000 to 15,000 spectators is anticipated.
The general public has been invited to witness this grand sporting spectacle at M.A. Stadium, Jammu, from 11:30 AM onwards on December 20, 2025. Entry will be free for all.
