Wrestling Photography in Narela – Local Dangal Experience in Delhi NCR

My wrestling photography experience in Narela was one of the most raw, energetic, and culturally immersive assignments I have covered in the Delhi NCR region. Unlike structured stadium sports, this was a traditional local dangal held as part of a village mela, offering an unfiltered view of Indian wrestling culture at its roots.

I was invited to cover the event through Praveen Pehlwan, associated with the legendary Guru Hanuman Akhada, who has himself been a champion at both national-level wrestling circuits and traditional competitions. This connection made the experience even more meaningful, as it placed me directly within a deeply respected wrestling ecosystem.

Traditional Wrestling Culture & Rituals

One of the most fascinating aspects of covering this dangal was observing the traditional practices that define Indian wrestling.

Before matches, wrestlers engaged in:

• Warm-up routines in open ground conditions

• Traditional mud application and rubbing techniques

• Physical conditioning exercises with coaches and peers

The mud application, in particular, stood out as a symbolic and functional practice. It is not only part of tradition but also serves a practical purpose—improving grip, reducing slippage, and preparing the body for intense physical contact.

These rituals reflect the discipline, respect, and physical conditioning that define wrestling at its grassroots level.

Action, Crowd Energy & Key Matches

The wrestling bouts included a mix of throws, takedowns, clinches, and fast counters, all performed in a mud pit setup typical of traditional dangals.

The crowd played a major role in the energy of the event. Unlike formal indoor sports, the audience here was deeply emotionally invested, reacting strongly to every move, pin, and reversal.

One of the standout performers of the event was Jhonty Gujar, a promising wrestler known within the Indian wrestling circuit. He has competed at high-level national platforms and is often highlighted as a rising talent in the sport. 

The final match, held during the evening, carried a particularly intense atmosphere with heightened crowd engagement and dramatic momentum shifts.

Lighting, Environment & Photography Challenges

Being an outdoor event, lighting was generally manageable during the daytime. However, the harsh sunlight during certain phases of the day created challenges such as:

• Strong shadows on subjects

• High contrast conditions

• Rapid exposure adjustments required during movement

The final matches, which extended into the evening, introduced changing light conditions, requiring quick adaptation in camera settings to maintain clarity and motion sharpness.

Despite these variations, the natural outdoor environment also allowed for more dynamic compositions compared to indoor stadium restrictions.

Travel Experience & On-Ground Challenges

Reaching Narela itself was a challenging part of this assignment. At the time, farmer protests were ongoing in parts of Punjab and surrounding regions, leading to unexpected roadblocks and disrupted navigation routes.

Even Google Maps proved unreliable in certain stretches, requiring real-time adjustments in route planning. I travelled alone on a scooter with my camera gear, which added an additional layer of caution and awareness throughout the journey.

Despite these challenges, the entire experience remained safe and was completed successfully, with a timely return.

Key Learnings from Dangal Photography

This wrestling photography assignment strengthened several important aspects of my work:

• Capturing fast, close-contact combat sports in unpredictable environments

• Understanding traditional Indian sports culture and rituals

• Managing outdoor lighting variations in real time

• Working under crowd-heavy, high-energy conditions

• Balancing safety, mobility, and professional equipment handling

It also reinforced the importance of anticipation, especially in combat sports where moments of impact happen within seconds.

Looking Ahead – Expanding into Combat Sports

This experience has strengthened my interest in expanding into professional combat sports photography, including:

• Pro Wrestling League (PWL)

• MMA tournaments in India

• Kabaddi leagues and regional competitions

• Other combat-based sporting events

The nature of wrestling—both traditional and modern—closely aligns with these sports in terms of intensity, storytelling, and physical expression.

Final Thoughts

Covering the Narela dangal was more than just a photography assignment—it was an immersion into India’s traditional sporting heritage. From the rituals of preparation to the intensity of the matches and the energy of the crowd, every moment contributed to a deeper understanding of wrestling as both a sport and a cultural experience.

It remains one of the most rewarding and authentic sports photography experiences in my journey across Delhi NCR, and a strong foundation for future work in combat sports photography.