Pathankot woman wrestler brings laurels to city

Local woman Vishakha has done the city proud by winning a gold medal in the national wrestling championship which concluded at Panipat recently. She is daughter of renowned grappler Deepu Pehalwan. She trains at the “Mahabali Akhara” run by her father. She was felicitated by Pathankot ex-MLA Amit Vij at a special function held today.

Vishakha won a bronze medal in last year’s national championship, while she got the fourth position in the Khelo-India competition.

Vij and other exponents of wrestling said Vishakha’s victory had proved that the city’s “Akharas” were best in the state.

Amit Vij said, “The city’s ‘Akhara’ culture has got a big boost by Vishakha’s win. Wrestlers from ‘Mahabali Akhara’ have won a total of 15 medals in various national meets this year. Vishakha’s gold medal win is a pride for both Pathankot and Punjab. Akhara wrestling remains popular due to its deep cultural roots in Indian tradition. Such centres provide a sense of community and a path for self-transformation with wrestlers like Vishakha upholding principles of respect and humility.”

Vishakha said she was looking forward to the day when she dons India colours. “I will keep the flag of my city flying by playing for India,” she said.