Kushti

Share on social media

Photographer

Divyakant Solanki
Date of Photograph

20 March 2016
Socials
Website

http://www.epa.eu/

Wrestlers apply mud to prevent slipping during an Indian traditional wrestling competition known as Kushti, at a wrestling arena popularly known as Akhara during a local competition event in Mumbai, India, 20th March 2016. Kushti is a traditional Indian form of wrestling which usually takes place in a clay or dirt pit also known as Akhara. This traditional and ancient form of sport is slowly losing its shine to modern wrestling but a few dedicated people try to continue to train themselves and keep this culture alive.

Biography

Divyakant Solanki, a self-taught photographer working with European Pressphoto Agency based in Mumbai, since 2010. He was born in Amreli city of Saurashtra region in the state of Gujarat, India. He did Diploma Computer Engineer from RCTI-Ahmedabad. But as he was more passionate about photography, he stopped further study and started freelancing. He joined Business Standard - Ahmedabad in 2003 as photographer and later transferred to Mumbai bureau in 2005. His work graced in all major publications such as New York Times, Guardian, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Time, Telegraph etc.
Awards

1)First Place “the best photo of all” in World Water Day 2017 Photo Contest. (Water Crisis in Mumbai) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/world-water-day-2017-photo-contest 2)Third Place in Editorial: Sports (Professional) category in Moscow International Foto Awards 2017. (Kushti – Traditional Wrestling) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/moscow-international-foto-awards-2017 3)Second Place in the Competitive Events (Professional) – International Photography Awards (IPA) 2017 – (Kushti – Traditional Wrestling) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/ipa-awards-2017-event-competitive-events 4)Thirst Place in the Special: Travel/Tourism (Professional) - International Photography Awards (IPA) 2017 – (Pushkar Camel Fair) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/ipa-awards-2017-special-travel-tourism 5)Five Honorable Mentions in various categories - International Photography Awards (IPA) 2017 6)Second Place in Sports category – Chromatic Awards 2017 7)Honorable Mention in Portrait category – Chromatic Awards 2017 8)Honorable Mention in Photojournalism category – MonoVisions Photography Awards 2017 9)Five Honorable Mentions in various categories – Monochrome Awards 2017 10)Honorable Mention in the Editorial: Sports (Professional) category - International Photographer of the Year Award (IPOTY) 2016. (Kushti -Traditional Wrestling) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/international-photographer-of-the-year-2016 11)Silver Medal of the People in the News (Stories) category China International Press Photo Contest (CHIPP2014). Photo story titled 'Narendra Modi Face of 2014 General Election' (Gujarat Election) http://www.epa.eu/about-epa/awards/chipp-2014-people-in-the-news-stories 12)Third Prize in the Sports category - Media Foundation of India's National Press Photo contest 2014. (Back Stage - Body Building) 13)Third Prize in the 7th Southern Naval Command Military Photography Award 2016. (Nave Day)