Shubha at 06:19, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T06:19:55Z

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{{Short description|Wrestling form of Kerala, India}}
{{For|the film|Gatta Kusthi}}
{{Infobox sport
| name = Gatta gusthi
| image = Village Wrestlers.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Freestyle ''gusthi'' in [[Madurai]]
| union = Kerala State Wrestling Association
| nickname = Indian style wrestling
| first = 1900s
| firstlabel =
| registered =
| clubs = Less than 50
| contact = Yes
| team = Single competitors
| mgender = No
| type = Outdoor
| venue =
| region = [[Kerala]], India
| olympic = No
}}
'''Gatta gusthi''' is a form of [[submission wrestling]] practiced in [[Kerala]], India. Competitions take place inside an open ground called a ''godha'', often on beaches. Wrestlers, known as ''[[Pehlivan|phayalvans]]'', employ around 100 techniques. Once widely popular, the sport saw a decline with the rise of [[freestyle wrestling]] and [[karate]] in the late 1960s. Its freestyle version is known as '''gusthi'''.

==History==
[[File:Students practicing gymnastics in Kerala (1905).jpg|thumb|left|Students training on a gymnastic bar in [[Malabar District|Malabar]] in 1905.]]
Gatta gusthi evolved into a prominent sporting event during the era of erstwhile [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]] and [[Travancore]] kingdoms in present-day [[Kerala]], with [[Kochi]] emerging as a significant sports hub. Competitions were regularly organized across the state. The sport reached its peak between 1945 and 1970. Prominent ''[[Pehlivan|phayalvans]]'' (wrestlers) during this period included Manacaud Narayana Pillai, Polachira Ramachandran, Kattuchira Pappudas, Shankar Singh, Kayamkulam Dhayanandhan, Electric Moideen Kunj, Aslam Basheer, Kollam Rasheed, Nickel Jamal, among others.<ref name=M>{{cite news|last=P.|first=Anand|title=Understanding Gatta Gusthi: Kerala's own style of wrestling|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/web-exclusive/understanding-gatta-gusthi-kerala-s-own-style-of-wrestling-gatta-gusthi-wrestling-kerala-fortkochi-1.5891683|access-date=9 August 2021|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|date=8 August 2021|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809122153/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/web-exclusive/understanding-gatta-gusthi-kerala-s-own-style-of-wrestling-gatta-gusthi-wrestling-kerala-fortkochi-1.5891683|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gatta gusthi was particularly in demand in Kochi, [[Kollam]], and [[Manacaud]].<ref name=Godha/> Kollam had three permanent ''godhas'' ([[wrestling ring]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Kerala Gama Ramachandran passes away|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2009/oct/10/kerala-gama-ramachandran-passes-away-91404.html|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=10 October 2009|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095245/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2009/oct/10/kerala-gama-ramachandran-passes-away-91404.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first match in [[Travancore]] was held in 1952.<ref name="KSWA">{{cite web|author=Kerala State Wrestling Association|title=Kerala State Wrestling Association|url=https://keralawrestling.com/|publisher=Kerala State Wrestling Association|access-date=3 December 2022|archive-date=3 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203154933/https://keralawrestling.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Fort Kochi]] beach regularly hosted championship bouts until the early 1970.<ref name=TOI/> Gatta gusthi remained a major sporting event in the state till the late 1960s.<ref name="TNN"/> It began fading after the arrival of [[freestyle wrestling]]. Freestyle wrestling, known simply as ''gusthi'', was registered as a sport in [[Ernakulam district]] in 1969.<ref name="TH">{{cite news|last=S.|first=Priyadershini|title=On the Mat|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/On-the-MAT/article14511290.ece|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 July 2016|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804121408/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/On-the-MAT/article14511290.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, gatta gusthi was limited to select events organised by aficionados.<ref name="TNN"/> According to the Kerala State Wrestling Association, audience interest declined due to rumours of [[match fixing]].<ref name="KSWA"/>

In India, traditional [[Indian martial arts]] and [[combat sports]] as a whole began fading after the introduction of [[karate]] in the later half of the 20th century. During 1970s, with the influx of foreign [[martial arts film]]s, Indians began travelling to [[East Asia]] in large numbers to learn karate and returned to open karate schools across the [[Indian subcontinent]], in cities as well as in small towns and villages. In 1980s, karate-style action sequences became frequent in mainstream [[Indian cinema]], articles and news on karate were frequently appearing on magazines and newspapers. Additionally, [[Police forces of the states and union territories of India|state police forces across India]] added karate in [[Police academy|their training]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Zarrilli|first1=Phillip B.|title=When the Body Becomes All Eyes: Paradigms, Discourses, and Practices of Power in Kalarippayattu, a South Indian Martial Art|date=1998|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|location=[[Delhi]]|isbn=0195639405|page=4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EP6BAAAAMAAJ|access-date=5 August 2021}}</ref>

As part of reviving the sport, former champion-turned-coach T. J. George started training youngsters since his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Upholding 'Gatta Gusti' traditions|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/jun/16/upholding-gatta-gusti-traditions-263070.html|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=16 June 2011|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095242/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/jun/16/upholding-gatta-gusti-traditions-263070.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He set up a gym, Cochin Grapplers, at Fort Kochi in 1986.<ref name="TH"/> He founded Kerala State Gatta Gusthy Association, although it is yet to receive recognition from Kerala State Sports Council.<ref name=M/> In Kerala, governing body for all forms of wrestling is the Kerala State Wrestling Association, approved by Kerala State Sports Council and [[Wrestling Federation of India]]. Both gatta gusthi and gusthi saw a resurgence of interest among youngsters after wrestlers [[Sushil Kumar]], [[Yogeshwar Dutt]] and [[Sakshi Malik]] won medals at the [[Summer Olympics]] (2008, 2012, 2016)<ref name=Godha/> and with the success of the film ''[[Dangal (2016 film)|Dangal]]'' (2016) and [[Phogat sisters]].<ref name=TOI/>

==Characteristics==
Gatta gusthi is similar to ''maati kushti'' (mud wrestling) of [[North India]]. Bouts are evaluated by a referee and there are no judges.<ref name="TH"/> There are around 100 techniques in gatta gusthi.<ref name=TOI>{{cite news|last=Sreemol|first=T. C.|title=Phogat effect: Kochi girls learning Gatta Gusti|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/phogat-effect-kochi-girlslearning-gatta-gusti/articleshow/56505845.cms|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=13 January 2017|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095242/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/phogat-effect-kochi-girlslearning-gatta-gusti/articleshow/56505845.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> It is contested inside a [[wrestling ring|ring]] known as ''godha'' and wrestlers are called ''[[Pehlivan|phayalvans]]''.<ref name=Godha/> Participants wear minimal clothing, normally just [[briefs]] and are [[barefoot]].<ref name="TNIE"/> Match takes place on a sand-laden ground. There are no [[Wrestling weight classes|weight classes]] in gatta gusthi, bouts can be matched between any weights. Bout is won when any one wrestler [[Pin (amateur wrestling)|pins]] the other to the ground. In gatta gusthi, opponent's garment can be used as an advantage, which is illegal in freestyle wrestling. Gatta gusthi has more techniques than freestyle wrestling and many of them are illegal in the latter for the risk involved.<ref name=M/> The main difference between gatta gusthi and freestyle wrestling is the duration and point system. Freestyle bouts are three rounds of two minutes each, while gatta gusthi can go as long as 30 minutes or until there is a winner. If points are tied, they may go for another round.<ref name="TNN">{{cite news|author=Times News Network|title=Gatta champs grapple to keep the sport alive|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/gatta-champs-grapple-to-keep-the-sport-alive/articleshow/53360414.cms|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 July 2016|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095243/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/gatta-champs-grapple-to-keep-the-sport-alive/articleshow/53360414.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Competitions==
In present day, gatta gusthi is also promoted by the name "Indian style wrestling". [[Wrestling ring|Ring]] is eight meter in diameter. Kerala State Indian Style Wrestling Association organises regular state championships for the title "Kerala Kesari".<ref name="TNIE">{{cite news|title=Gatta returns!|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2010/feb/06/gatta-returns--129122.html|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=6 February 2010|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095242/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2010/feb/06/gatta-returns--129122.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kerala State Gatta Gusthi Association and Cochin Grapplers club together organises Indian Style Wrestling (Gatta Gusthi) Championship at [[Fort Kochi]] for the "Gatta Gusthi Kesari" title.<ref>{{cite news|title=David Philip wins 'Gatta Gusthi Kesari' title|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/sep/16/david-philip-wins-gatta-gusthi-kesari-title-291602.html|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=16 September 2011|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095243/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2011/sep/16/david-philip-wins-gatta-gusthi-kesari-title-291602.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gatta gusthi is an event at the 11-day long The Beach Carnival and Games held at Puthuvype Beach, organised by the [[Government of Kerala]] and Ernakulam District Sports Council to promote rural sports to enhance the lives of local fishermen and tourism in beaches.<ref>{{cite news|author=Staff Reporter|title=Puthuvype beach carnival to get under way today|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kochi/puthuvype-beach-carnival-to-get-under-way-today/article30369874.ece|access-date=4 August 2021|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 December 2019|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095242/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kochi/puthuvype-beach-carnival-to-get-under-way-today/article30369874.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Gatta gusthi is a regular sporting event at the annual [[Cochin Carnival]] held at Fort Kochi.<ref>{{cite news|author=Our Correspondent|title=Cochin Carnival 2019-20 begins tomorrow|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2019/12/07/cochin-carnival-2019-dates-events-programs.html|access-date=5 August 2021|work=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=7 December 2019|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095243/https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2019/12/07/cochin-carnival-2019-dates-events-programs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, [[Kerala Excise]] organised a competition at Fort Kochi as part of "Vimukthi", an anti-narcotics and de-addiction campaign by the government.<ref>{{cite news|title=ഫോർട്ടുകൊച്ചി കടപ്പുറത്ത് ഗാട്ടാ ഗുസ്തി; റസ്‌ലിങ് അക്കാദമിക്ക് കിരീടം|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/gatta-gusthi-in-fort-kochi-1.4554188|access-date=4 August 2021|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|date=24 February 2020|language=ml}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==In popular culture==
Gatta gusthi and ''phayalvans'' are featured in the [[Malayalam]] films ''[[Oridathoru Phayalvaan]]'' (1981), ''[[Mutharamkunnu P.O.]]'' (1985), and ''[[Godha (film)|Godha]]'' (2017).<ref name=Godha>{{cite news|last=Sathyendran|first=Nita|title=All set for the ring|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-basil-joseph-on-wrestling-with-challenges-to-make-his-new-film-godha/article18419185.ece|access-date=4 August 2021|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=11 May 2017|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805095241/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-basil-joseph-on-wrestling-with-challenges-to-make-his-new-film-godha/article18419185.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Former champion and coach T. J. George has written a book titled ''Kerala Gatta Gusthi'' in Malayalam detailing various steps and styles of gatta gusthi, which was published in 2016. George also trained actor [[Tovino Thomas]] for the film ''Godha''. [[Kerala Financial Corporation]] made a documentary film on the sport in 2016.<ref name="TH"/> Gatta gusthi is also featured in the film ''[[Thuramukham (2023 film)|Thuramukham]]'' (2023).<ref name=M/> It is a plot element in the Tamil film ''[[Gatta Kusthi]]'' (2022).<ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmi|first=V.|title=Vishnu Vishal: There is always business for a good movie|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-there-is-always-business-for-a-good-movie/articleshow/90835191.cms|access-date=24 November 2022|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 April 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124054004/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-there-is-always-business-for-a-good-movie/articleshow/90835191.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Pehlwani]], North Indian wrestling.
* [[Wrestling in India]]
* [[Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals]], Iranian ancestor of Pehlwani / Kushti.
* [[Greco-Roman wrestling]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{website|https://keralawrestling.com}}
* {{website|http://keralastategattagusthyassociation.com/index.html|Kerala State Gatta Gusthi Association}}

{{Wrestling in India}}
{{Folk wrestling}}
{{Grappling}}
{{Indian martial arts}}

[[Category:Traditional sports of India]]
[[Category:Folk wrestling styles]]
[[Category:Wrestling in India]]

Gatta gusthi - Revision history

Shubha at 06:19, 5 August 2025