Indian mud wrestling, known as Kushti, is a traditional sport in the South Asian nation, but less young athletes are choosing to practice it, instead taking up the more widely known mat wrestling in order to gain access to international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

Cilck on the slideshow to view the practioners of this vanishing physical art in action.

Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practice in the mud at a traditional Indian wrestling centre called 'Akhaara' in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practice in the mud at a traditional Indian wrestling center called 'Akhaara' in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
A wrestler takes a bath after a traditional mud wrestling (Kushti) bout at the Akhaara center in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers rest in their dormitory after a training session. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practice in the mud at a traditional Indian wrestling center called 'Akhaara' in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practice in the mud at a traditional Indian wrestling center called 'Akhaara' in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
A wrestler throws mud to avoid slipping of hands due to sweat during a wrestling bout. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
A wrestler rubs his hands with mud to prevent slipping due to sweat, during a traditional mud wrestling (Kushti) bout. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practice in the mud at a traditional Indian wrestling center called 'Akhaara' in Kolhapur. REUTERS
Indian Mud Wrestlers
Wrestlers practise at a traditional mud wrestling (Kushti) centre called Akhaara in Kolhapur, about 400 kms (250 miles) south of Mumbai. REUTERS
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