Paper
Exploring the Complexities of Sports Culture in North India: A Multidisciplinary Analysis of Wrestling and Its Socio-Political Dynamics
presenters
Sant Ram Antil
Nationality: India
Residence: India
Presence:Online
Keywords:
Wrestling, North India, Gender, Politics
Abstract:
The burgeoning interest in sports, particularly wrestling, among the youth in North India, accompanied by the emergence of a new gym culture, underscores a significant societal shift. This paper delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this trend, employing a multidisciplinary lens to unravel the intricate relationship between humans and sports, which mirrors the complexities of the contemporary world.
Through an examination of historical, political, cultural, and gender dynamics, this study elucidates the nuanced interplay shaping the practice of wrestling in North India. Firstly, it investigates the historical roots that have ingrained wrestling as a leisure activity and an inherent aspect of North Indian youth culture. Secondly, it explores the political dimensions wherein sports choices are influenced by the socio-political landscape, reflecting the aspirations and manoeuvrings of the youth within the political realm. Thirdly, it highlights the cultural hegemony within wrestling, where certain groups dominate, excluding others from accessing the cultural capital associated with the sport.
Moreover, the paper sheds light on the rise of female wrestling, signifying a transformative shift in gender dynamics. It examines how female wrestlers are challenging traditional gender norms and carving out spaces in the male-dominated arena of wrestling academies. However, beneath this progress lies the persistent politics of honour, where the success of female wrestlers remains entwined with notions of family honour, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards women's empowerment.
In essence, this paper offers an overview of the intricate relationship between sports, society, and politics in North India, demonstrating how wrestling serves as a microcosm of the region's socio-cultural complexities.