JAMMU, Oct 17: The 11th International Dangal 2026 was held at Mathwar Block, Jammu, with great enthusiasm, celebrating the rich Dogra heritage, culture and the glorious tradition of traditional wrestling. The event witnessed the participation of wrestlers from different regions, including international wrestlers, highlighting the enduring popularity of Dangal in Jammu and Kashmir.
Baba Yashpal Ji inaugurated the programme by cutting the ribbon and oversaw the arrangements and overall organisation of the event. The Dangal was organised with the support of the Wrestling Association of Jammu and Kashmir, which extended its support towards promoting traditional wrestling and preserving this age-old sporting tradition.
Surinder Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma, Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir; Jammu; Dilbag Singh, former Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir; Sat Sharma, President of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Sham Lal Sharma, MLA from Jammu North; and Choudhary Vikram Randhawa, MLA from Bahu Constituency, were also present on the occasion.
A total of 31 wrestling bouts were held during the event, drawing considerable interest from wrestling enthusiasts and spectators. One of the major attractions was the highly anticipated bout featuring Iranian international wrestler Hodi and champion wrestler Shiva from Maharashtra. The contest attracted particular attention given the reputation of both wrestlers in the traditional wrestling circuit.
The winner of the main bout was to be awarded a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, along with the traditional Gurj (Gadda), symbolising honour, strength and victory in the traditional wrestling tradition.
The event provided a platform for wrestlers to showcase their strength, skill and sportsmanship while reinforcing the importance of preserving Dogra culture and Jammu’s traditional sporting heritage. The participation of international wrestlers further added to the significance of the occasion.
The 11th International Dangal at Mathwar brought together prominent personalities, wrestlers and local residents in a celebration of Jammu’s cultural identity and the enduring legacy of traditional wrestling.