New Delhi: Apart from businesses and livelihoods, the COVID-19 pandemic has also adversely affected sports in India, with the wrestlers of Delhi's famed Jasram Akhara being the perfect example.
Many wrestlers at the akhara, which has produced multiple international medal winners, are facing both financial and physical problems.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Gaurav Bhadana, a wrestler hailing from Haryana, said that the lockdown has had an adverse effect on his body. Since all training akharas and parks were shut during the lockdown, he could not get proper practice, and is now having to work doubly hard to get back to his old physique.
Another wrestler, who had won the title of Mister Faridabad, said that the winning prize money from competitions was his main source of income. But with no competitions for the past six months due to the COVID situation, he is facing a tough financial situation.
The wrestlers at the Akhara said that they used to easily spend Rs 500 for their daily diet, which included milk, almonds, raisins, and fruits. But with the financial crunch now, many are not able to afford the rich diet.
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Meanwhile, another wrestler at the Akhara said that he has started training in the hope that competitions will soon be resumed as lockdown restrictions are eased.
However, Neeraj Chaudhary, the manager of the akhara said that they are only hoping for a vaccine to come soon, as wrestling is a full contact sport.
He said that 100 wrestlers earlier used to train at the akhara, and the number has now come down to 15-20.
Further, he said that the Sports Authority of India has suggested the use of dummies for practice, but doing so will adversely affect the speed and agility of wrestlers as training with another athlete cannot be matched.
