Prayagraj: At a time when high-end fitness clubs equipped with modern machines, specialised training zones and professional coaches are attracting youngsters, a group of wrestlers continues to train the traditional way at a vyayamshala in Jhunsi, keeping the centuries-old art of kushti alive.Around 25 wrestlers, including six women, are currently preparing for dangals scheduled to be held in Prayagraj, Mangarh in Pratapgarh and Chitrakoot on Nag Panchami. The wrestlers are honing traditional wrestling techniques to compete in both men’s and women’s events.Mukesh Pahalwan, who runs the Jhunsi-based vyayamshala, said, “Only two or three vyayamshalas are now operational in the city, with a limited number of men and women practising kushti. Wrestlers from rural areas of Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Jaunpur and Prayagraj still prefer traditional training at these centres.”According to him, the city witnessed a sharp decline in the number of vyayamshalas after the 1980s as youngsters increasingly turned to modern gyms and fitness clubs.“Before 1980, there were over 100 vyayamshalas in the Sangam city, and kushti was among the most popular sports,” he said.Pahalwan also attributed the decline in participation to the rising cost of maintaining a wrestler’s diet, which has made it difficult for many youngsters, particularly those from rural backgrounds, to pursue the sport.He said many people are still unaware of the physical and mental benefits offered by traditional akharas and vyayamshalas.Another veteran wrestler recalled that till the 1990s, traditional akharas attracted large numbers of aspiring wrestlers. “The number of local wrestlers has declined drastically, and only a few youngsters now come forward to learn the sport,” he said.He added that the growing popularity of modern gyms has led many youngsters to shy away from traditional akharas in favour of air-conditioned fitness centres.However, the passion for kushti remains alive in villages across the trans-Ganga and trans-Yamuna regions.Ambrish, a local wrestler, said, “With changing times, only a limited number of youngsters are taking interest in traditional wrestling.”Veteran wrestlers in rural areas maintain that traditional wrestling still retains its charm. Competing in loose mud and sand is physically demanding, they say, but the applause and encouragement from spectators make the effort worthwhile.