But there is still much to be learnt of Kushti. The dying sport has but a few followers left, and the number of akhadas that remain sprinkled across the country is more because of family tradition than popularity. An acute shortage of funds prevents these wrestlers from ideal training equipment and world-class facilities.

Plus the specific dietary requirements don’t come cheap either – students have to fend for themselves with whatever resources they can manage, and these factors have all contributed to the waning of the sport.

Yet for the select few who have devoted themselves to Kushti, these sacrifices do not deter them. Devraj believes that it is only a matter of time before the sport regains its full glory, so for now, he focuses on his training regime – to hone his skills, and maybe one day take on the world.

This remarkable will is echoed throughout the walls of the akhada, and as long as there are men of mettle like Chougule, the fight for every inch of space in the reddened clay ring shall
continue.