Gorakhpur: A two-day state-level senior prize-money wrestling competition began on Gorakhnath Temple premises on Sunday as part of the Nag Panchami celebrations, with more than 300 wrestlers from across UP taking part. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the closing ceremony on Monday.The competition was inaugurated by Gorakhnath Temple’s chief priest, Yogi Kamal Nath, who formally began the bouts by shaking hands with the participating wrestlers.The chief Minister will attend the prize distribution ceremony on Monday and is expected to interact with the wrestlers and offer guidance during the event, scheduled for 3pm.The tournament will witness title bouts for Uttar Pradesh Kesari, Uttar Pradesh Kumar and Uttar Pradesh Veer Abhimanyu tites on Nag Panchami, on Monday.The winners of the three titles will receive Rs 1.01 lakh each, while runners-up will get Rs 51,000. Two third-place finishers in each category will be awarded Rs 25,000 each. Yogi will present the prizes and medals to the winners.Every wrestler participating in the competition will also receive Rs 500 for each bout. Accommodation, food, travel expenses and other related costs for the participants have been arranged as per Sports Department rules.The event aims to promote traditional Indian sports and strengthen the long-standing association between Nag Panchami and wrestling.
