New Delhi: Around 150 Girl wrestlers from different states of India and 100 boy wrestlers from Delhi will participate in AIWWA CUP on Feb. 10, 2013 at Shyam Baba Mandir, Pochanpur, Dwarka, New Delhi. The event is being organized by All India Women Wrestling Association (Regd.) (AIWWA).
The tournament will see three categories for the girls, Veerangana Laxmibai (up to 50 kg category), AIWWA Kumari (50-65 kg category) and AIWWA KESARI (65+ kg category). The boys will fight it out in Veer Abhimanyu (up to 75 kg category). Cash prizes will be given to the top five players in each category.
“This event is very important as it highlights the importance of women empowerment and the means to achieve it. It is our tribute to the Delhi gang-rape victim. Through tournaments like these we want to make women of this country stronger both mentally and physically,” said Deepika Kaliraman, president AIWWA.
Renowned wrestler Sonika Kaliraman who is also the brand ambassador of AIWWA said, “It is a great initiative, people always talk about women safety and it is high time that the Indian women take the matters in their own hand. We want to highlight the importance of fitness, every woman in this country should be aware of the art of self defense.”
Apart from the tournament AIWWA organizes Free Self-Defense Classes at Shree Shyam Baba Mandir.
Speaking about the sport, Deepika believes that Geeta Phogat’s participation has given this sport a huge boost among the young girls.
“Earlier we did not have a face like Sushil Kumar, but now we have Geeta. Competing in Olympics is a huge thing and girls now have a role model. Things started to change after 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and more and more girls are joining the sport.
By Indian Sports News Network