'How will we survive': Karnataka’s veteran wrestlers left in tears as Govt halts pensions for thousands

Dharwad: Tears well up in the eyes of 58-year-old Shivanand every time he speaks about the government pension that has suddenly stopped.

“I have participated in wrestling competitions across the state for more than 25 years and have trained over 50 young wrestlers. Age no longer permits me to continue in the sport. My family survives on this pension, but for the last four months the government has stopped it,” he said.

Shivanand’s story mirrors the plight of nearly 7,500 wrestlers across Karnataka excluded from the monthly pension scheme meant for retired and veteran wrestlers.

Wrestling has long been woven into the cultural fabric of North Karnataka. From village fairs and jatra mahotsavas to rural sports festivals, wrestling bouts were once the prime attraction, drawing massive crowds.

But changing times, lack of encouragement and shrinking infrastructure have pushed the indigenous sport towards decline. Traditional Garadi Mane, wrestling training houses that once existed in almost every village and town, are rapidly disappearing.

The recent revision in the state government’s pension policy for wrestlers has further aggravated the crisis.

In 2010, the government introduced a pension scheme, recognising their contribution and for mentoring younger wrestlers. Those above 55 registered as professional wrestlers were eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 6,000.

Until recently, wrestlers seeking pension benefits were required to submit photographs and pamphlets proving their participation in wrestling matches held in local fairs, jatras, and rural sports festivals.

The new policy introduced four months ago, however, stipulated that only wrestlers providing certificates proving participation in national and international competitions are eligible for pension.

This came as a severe jolt to thousands of traditional wrestlers whose careers were largely confined to rural tournaments and local competitions, where certificates were rarely issued. Also, pensions of retired wrestlers serving as coaches and even some active wrestlers have reportedly been discontinued. Most wrestlers come from economically weaker backgrounds.

Karnataka Wrestlers Association president Ratan Kumar Matpati said the government was doing grave injustice to poor wrestlers.

“All registered wrestlers should receive pension benefits, failing which the association is prepared to launch protests,” he warned.

Youth Empowerment and Sports Department assistant director Sadanand Amarapur said the government took the decision after it found that a few people cheated, by claiming to be wrestlers.

The decline of wrestling has been alarming. After unification, the state reportedly had 35,000 Garadi Mane and over 3.5 lakh wrestlers. By 2020, the numbers had shrunk by 50%, while 4% of traditional wrestling houses shut down.