KATRA : Anirudh of Delhi, Bharat Kesari and Asian Bronze medallist, clinched the prestigious title of the 19th Mission Dosti International Dangal, organised by the Katra Indian Style Wrestling Association as part of Navratra Utsav 2026.
In the main title bout carrying a prize of ₹2.5 lakh, Anirudh defeated Maharashtra Kesari Shiva by 4–0 in a closely contested encounter. Benia Min of J&K Police defeated Iranian wrestler Ali Mohammad to win the second main bout worth ₹1.5 lakh, while Ishaq Mohd (Lallu) defeated Aman of Mirzapur Academy, Delhi, in the third main bout carrying a prize of ₹1 lakh.
Young wrestler Thappa of Doda also impressed the audience by defeating Iranian wrestler Raza 5–2, while Benia Min registered another impressive victory over an Iranian opponent with a score of 7–1. J&K Police wrestler Mir Khan was adjudged the Best Wrestler of the event.
Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma was the chief guest and presented the titles in the presence of MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma and MLA Udhampur Pawan Kumar Gupta. The day-long event featured 21 bouts, with wrestlers from Jammu and Kashmir delivering impressive performances against competitors from outside the Union Territory and abroad.
The event also witnessed a vibrant display of local culture and traditions, accompanied by drum beats from special troupes from Reasi and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
The Dangal was organised by the Katra Indian Style Wrestling Association with support from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, NHPC, J&K Tourism Department, J&K Bank and Janta Katra.
Chairman of the Association Shiv Kumar Sharma appreciated the wrestlers and supporters, emphasising the promotion of young wrestling talent from Jammu and Kashmir through competitions against national and international wrestler.