India, Pakistan wrestlers bout for peace

Wrestlers from India and Pakistan sweat it out on the slushy fields in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of the initiative to boost friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir), Oct 16 : Wrestlers from India and Pakistan sweat it out on the slushy fields in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of the initiative to boost friendship and brotherhood between the two countries.

Christened 'Mission Dosti' (Mission Friendship), the competition saw six participants from Pakistan engaging in the traditional style of wrestling where participants fight on raised earthen quadrangles, instead of modern-day mattresses.

The wrestling match was organised in Katra, about 45 kilometers from Jammu on Monday.

Pakistani participants were overwhelmed by Indian hospitality and the match highlighted the manner in which sports can act as a bridge to foster friendship between the two nations.

"I think sports are a great means to boost friendship between the two countries leading them to the path of peace," said Tariq Mir, a participant from Pakistan.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes, who was the chief guest at the competition, lauded the organisers for having taken the initiative.

"I congratulate the organisers of the sport for their initiative of promoting a wrestling competition in order to bring the people of Pakistan and India closer to each other," Fernandes said.

Wrestling in India is a traditional sport and is as old as written history. It was once considered a royal sport.

ANI