Wrestlers of Lahore

Wrestling is – or was – big in Pakistan. As we wandered around Lahore it seems half the guys we met used to be wrestlers, and had the bone-crushing handshakes to prove it. My guide told me one of his colleagues was taking a YouTuber to a wrestling camp later in the day, and asked if I wanted to join – HELL YEAH!

So late in the afternoon we headed down a back street near Badshahi Mosque and arrived at Youssef’s wrestling gym. Youssef, who is built like the proverbial brick shithouse, comes from a long line of wrestlers – his great grandfather was Commonwealth champion – and he now devotes his time to keeping the sport alive and helping vulnerable youngsters stay fit and avoid crime & drugs by becoming wrestlers.

The sun was going down by the time we arrived to they quickly prepared the wrestling “field” and put on a few bouts for us, as well as giving us tea of course. One of my most memorable experiences in Pakistan.