The Indian traditional form of wrestling (Kushti) dates back thousands of years and holds a special place in India’s culture Hundreds of young men from mostly poor rural areas move to the city of Kolhapur every year with the goal of becoming kushti champions Doing so will bring prestige fame and money but it’s an arduous journey The wrestlers train for years several hours a day, seven days a week in tough conditions Sharing tiny spaces they all cook together in groups and sleep on the floor United by their shared dream, they forge deep bonds that transcend the boundaries of a wrestling pit
Dimitris Sideridis is a Greek photographer/photo editor/filmmaker/visual artist whose award-winning work has appeared in some of the world’s biggest digital publications, among others. He produces content on a wide range of social and anthropological issues. He is a contributor with CNN and Al Jazeera providing images and copy for travel features reported from Qatar, Greece, Cyprus and elsewhere and also covering diverse topics related to the refugee crisis, politics and culture. He holds a MA in Photography and Visual Language from the Middlesex University of London.
