Pehlwani or Kushti is a contact sport original from Punjab, in India and Pakistan. Similar to wrestling in nature, it is a character-shaping activity, in which sportsmen invest from a young age.
It has just enough violence to be uncomfortable, yet still look like a carefully choreographed dance of bodies rambling on the earth. An affair of dust, sweat and sometimes blood, coaches say it steers children of bad habits and influences, while the children create strong brother-like bonds and work to become as strong and popular as their idols, whose pictures hang on the gym walls.
A modality of discipline and strong will that serves as a safe haven in the harsh Pakistani society, building strenght and giving opportunity, which would otherwise not allow these boys and men to seize a life with purpose.