It is for the first time in the Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh Kesri Kushti Dangal which started in 1982, that women wrestlers got a chance to show their prowess.

The organizers of event that is taking place from 11^th to 13^th January in Maharana Bhupal Stadium Udaipur have awarded women wrestlers Sitara-e-Mewar Malwa Kesri titles which carry Rs.5000, Rs.3000 and Rs.2000 for those getting 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd positions respectively. The contest is for plus fifty kilo category. International wrestlers, like Monica Malar, Arpana Bishno and a number of others participated.

The city women wrestlers prepared hard for the event in spite of the severe cold in the town, looking to all this, they put up a good show.

In fact, the success of wrestlers Sushil Kumar, who won silver and Yogeshwar Dutt, who bagged a bronze medal at London Olympics was widely acclaimed by sports lovers in Udaipur.

Earlier, Haryana wrestler Geeta’s selection for the Olympic came as a big boost to women wrestlers of Udaipur. Their number suddenly shot up and they began to take a keen interest in this sport. Geeta became their role model and they started dreaming of bagging medals at big events.

Eighteen-year old Darshana, who has won gold twice at state level wrestling competition and represented Rajasthan at the Nationals, could be seen sweating regularly to improve her performance.

Meenakshi Prajapat, aged 20 has represented the state at the Nationals four times and won two state level golds and has recently bagged best player award for her excellent performance. She was honored by the collector in 2009. To attain greater heights, she practiced for three hours every day.

The passion of 16-year-old Manju Gurjar made her travel by bicycle everyday a distance of about 15km from her home in village Nela to Chandpole Vyayamshala. She has won gold at state level and also represented the state at the nationals. She wants to follow Geeta’s footsteps.

Another girl who trained herself hard was Alka Ved, aged 15, who won a state level gold last year. She covered a distance of about 8 km from village Manvakheda to reach her wrestling ring.

Sixteen-year old Komal was also in the race to win a national gold after bagging a gold medal in 60kg weight category.

The most experience woman wrestler Anu Jadu aged 24 years participated in All India Wrestling competition in 2009. Winner of state gold, she took training at National Institute of Sports. After this, she wished to train others to become good wrestler.

More than 30 women wrestlers participated in the event in which they were a main attraction. On the opening day, Chandani Gaur of Udaipur defeated Apoorva of Indore by eight points.