Empowering Girls Through Wrestling Training in Rural India

In the village of Sisai, India, the Altius Wrestling School is providing training and education to young girls and women from humble backgrounds with dreams of becoming wrestlers. Usha Sharma, the first female wrestling coach in India, and her husband Sanjay Sihag run the school, which aims to empower its students and change the perception of women in rural society. The school not only offers wrestling training but also provides a safe space for the students to build skills, resilience and a sense of sisterhood. The girls, aged between eight and 22, live and train at the residential center, studying in a neighboring school and engaging in physical training and competitions. The training also includes morning exercises, proper nutrition, and preparations for potential wrestling careers.

Usha Sharma, a serving police officer, and her husband manage the day-to-day affairs at the academy, which focuses on providing rare lessons in female empowerment to its students. The government covers the training costs, and parents contribute to board and academic tuition for their daughters. The girls form a strong sense of sisterhood at the hostel, where they work, play, and study together, forging lifelong bonds. The academy has also seen its former students achieve success in wrestling, with some winning medals and government jobs, and others pursuing coaching careers. The success of former students serves as a testament to the transformative impact of the school on the lives of its students.

The Altius Wrestling School has played a significant role in inspiring a new generation of Indian women wrestlers, with the success of former students like Geeta Phogat, who won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, and Indian women winning medals at international events. The school has become a symbol of change, challenging traditional attitudes and fostering the growth of female athletes. However, the national wrestling federation in India has been embroiled in controversy, facing legal issues and accusations of sexual harassment. Usha Sharma, the wrestling coach, and her husband are committed to empowering their students and ensuring their safety in the face of challenges within the wrestling federation.