Pehlwani: Supporting Women Wrestlers in Varanasi

IN 2017, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 478 YEARS, WOMEN WERE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TULSI GHAT AKHARA (A TRADITIONAL INDIAN GYM). THIS SPIRITUAL + ATHLETIC CENTER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MALE BASTION. UNTIL NOW... 

In July 2017, a dozen girls from the neighbouring districts of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, participated in a wrestling contest, making history in Varanasi, allegedly one of the world's oldest inhabited city.

Four years on, young girls like Kashish Yadav, Apeksha Singh, Nandini Sarkar, Astha Madhu Verma and their cohorts spend four to six hours training every day and yet their future is uncertain. Will a post COVID-19 world destroy their hopes?  Will their grit, determination + discipline end in naught?

These girls are breaking barriers by not only fighting gender stereotypes but defying them; they're willing to train and fight boys and girls across mud-pits and mats, across small towns and cities, at training sessions and amidst big crowds - often upsetting their families with their participation in a heavy contact sport.

Watch PEHLWANI on HOME GAME on NETFLIX

India's wrestling star SAKSHI MALIK and mentor expressed her support for the girls through an Instagram post when she wrote: "The path of an athlete is far from easy, but the support and appreciation from you all makes it possible".

THIS CAMPAIGN IS TO SUPPORT THE FIERCE AND FEARLESS GIRLS OF VARANASI WHO JUMP DAILY HURDLES TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSION - PEHLWANI                        

As the world struggles to find the new normal in a post COVID-19 world, let's fuel the dreams of these girls by crowdfunding some basics that will help them stay at home, safe, healthy, up to date with their practice and  fighting for a future they believe in.

Your contribution can help drive change and impact communities.

WHAT ARE WE CROWD-FUNDING FOR?

1) A 10X10 (70mm) PROFESSIONAL TRAINING MAT WITH A COVER

2) PROVISION FOR TRAINING KITS AND COSTUMES

3) RATION FOR DRY-FRUITS (essentials that will reduce the financial strain on the girls and their families)

TO KNOW THE BENEFICIARIES OF THIS CAMPAIGN:

Watch Pehlwani on Netflix HERE

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HOME GAME series is now streaming on NETFLIX and has been produced by Boardwalk Pictures, USA.

The Pehlwani episode was produced in collaboration with MOW Productions, India. 

Series Producer: Ursula Collison

Episode Director: Zia Mandviwalla

Episode Local Producer: Supriya Sobti Gupta

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