Karnataka: Daily wager’s son shines with Asia gold, brings state’s wrestling hub in spolight

New Delhi: A 17-year-old wrestling sensation has brought a Northern Karnataka town into spotlight, known for its rich legacy in the particular sport.

Ningappa Genannavar, who is gaining popularity for his exceptional defence and strong leg attacks, defeated his opponent, Iran’s Amirmohammad Saleh in the final of the 45-kg freestyle category at the Asian Under-17 Championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The young wrestler’s medal contributed to the table tally finish at the junior continental event and put the wrestling-mad town in the spotlight apart from the traditional known including Haryana and Punjab.

“There’s a wrestler in every house here in Mudhol. But that’s not the case with Ninga — he doesn’t have a house”, says a local wrestling coach Arun Kumakale.

Talking about Mudhol’s rich wrestling culture, Sports Authority of India (SAI) wrestling coach Ram Budaki told, “The place is most famous for the Mudhol Hound, the dogs are known all over India”.

“It’s a quaint little place. The Krishna River flows through the city, most of the people are farmers, and almost every household has a wrestler. It’s a matter of pride. Every morning, you’ll see dozens of young boys and girls at the garadis (akhadas)”, says N R Narasimha, secretary of the Karnataka Wrestling Federation.

Wrestlers from out of Northern states making it to the national team and further winning medals is quite a rare phenomenon in the country, which the towns like Mudhol in Bagalkot district of Karnataka is trying to change.

Earlier, Sandeep Kate from the town won a silver medal in the Commonwealth Championship in 2016.

Meanwhile, Arjun Halakurki became the first wrestler from Karnataka to win the national championship gold ever since after 1995.