Kumar’s announcement came when he attended a recent competition organised by the Maharashtra Wrestling Association (MWA). He declared that he would look after all the professional needs of five among the wrestlers who came from different parts of India to take part in the contest. He said he would ensure that their wrestling career did not run into roadblocks due to financial reasons.

How much the sponsorship would be worth in terms of financial involvement has not yet been figured out.

“Whatever the cost, I will bear it in full.

A decision has been taken and it’s final,” Kumar answers.

Kumar’s announcement not only gladdened the hearts of the struggling wrestlers but also gave immense hope and a boost to traditional akhadas. The actor’s magnanimous and unexpected gesture would infuse much-needed glamour to the sport, confined to small rural akhadas (Indian wrestling rings filled with sand) in many parts of the country.

Ram Shankar Yadav, a wrestler who took part in the competition in Mumbai says, “Bollywood is generally enamoured by cricket, Akshay Kumar’s gesture will turn the spotlight on a game which is not as glamorous. After Dara Singh walked out of the rink to work in movies in the 1960s, the game lost much of its sheen.”

Kumar’s fondness for the game could also be owing to the fact that his father, Hari Om Bhatia, was also a noted wrestler from Punjab. He has lived and grown with this sport at home and is aware how professional Indian wrestlers struggle in their life and career. We’d say chak de phatte to that one.