Скачать или смотреть INDIA: WRESTLING SCHOOL THREATENED WITH CLOSURE

(3 Jun 1995) Hindi/Nat

An award-winning school for wrestlers in India is threatened with closure because of a dispute with sports officials.

The school - run by the same guru for decades - has produced some of India's top international wrestlers.

But now future funding is in doubt.

Every day students at the Akhara in Old Delhi go through their warm-up exercises before they start training to avoid injuries.

Even the youngest members of the school have to learn to stretch their muscles fully - under the watchful eye of Guru Hanuman.

Hanuman took up wrestling when he was barely 9 years old - he is now in his 90's. He still recalls the days when the sport received the full backing of the Maharajas and wrestlers were treated as national heros.

Guru Hanuman has been training local students in the ancient art of wrestling since 1928. He believes that anyone who wants to join his classes has to dedicate his soul to the sport.

SOUNDBITE: (Hindi)
(Translation): "I wake up at 3 in the morning, do my exercises and than wake up the students. They do lots of exercises and practise wrestling after which they prepare their own food and drink almond juice. I'm going strong at 96. I eat three times a day, about 40-45 teapots a time, and if the food is delicious then they go hungry".
SUPER CAPTION: Guru Hanuman

In India wrestling is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts and has always played a prominent role in Indian sport.

Guru Hanuman has taught students from all corners of the globe including Mohammed Maid Kasha, the nephew of the late Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran.

SOUNDBITE: (Hindi)
(Translation): "Caste, religion, parties are smaller but the nation is bigger. We're all brothers in this nation. Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs & Christians - all brothers. One who tries to sow a seed of hatred amongst us will not be spared. All four religions are brothers".
SUPERCAPTION : Guru Hanuman

96 year-old Hanuman has been awarded the Dronacharya medal - India's top award for sports teachers. He reckons he must have taught around 100 thousand students throughout his career - many of whom have gone on to win international awards.

However Hanuman is pessimistic about the future - he is struggling to keep his school open as the Indian government turns its attention and funds to other sports.

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