Jammu, Oct 2:International grapplers are all set to flex muscles in ‘Mission Dosti Maha Dangal’ competition, being organised as a part of nine-day long Navratra Festival on October 16 at Katra in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
”This will be the 14th ‘Mission Dosti’ Wrestling Competition to be held at Katra on October 16 as part of Navratra Festival celebrations,” Shiv Kumar Sharma, president, Jammu and Kashmir Indian Style Wrestling Association here told UNI.
Mr Sharma said that wrestlers from Ukraine, Russia and Georgia have confirmed their participation while talks with wrestlers from Iran are in progress.
”This is for the six consecutive year, the grapplers from Pakistan will not take part in the competition,” he said and added that ”Earlier till 2012, Pakistani wrestlers also took part in the Dangal but after 2013, when beheading of Indian Soldiers took place on the Line of Control, they were not invited.”
‘Mission Dosti’ was started in the year 2005 with an aim to boost sports ties and strengthen relations between India and Pakistan but due to escalated tension, they did not participate thereafter.
The Association Head said that around 40 wrestlers from different parts of the country and other countries will grace the occasion.
”India’s top wrestlers comprising ‘Rustam-e-Hind’ will also fight for the honour and eight women wrestlers (4 each from Delhi and Haryana) will also be the centre of attraction of an event,” he added.
He however, said that all arrangements have been discussed threadbare for successful show. (UNI)
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