Kushti
/ˈkʊʃ.ti/noun
A traditional form of wrestling practiced especially in India and Pakistan.
Did you know?Kushti is traditionally practiced in an akhara, a wrestling arena where athletes may train with ritual discipline, including exercise, diet, and respect for a guru-like teacher.
Etymological Timeline
Old Iranian period
Iranian
*kaušta-
“A reconstructed Iranian form associated with striking, defeating, or killing”
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
kušt
“Killed, slain, or defeated”
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
kuštīg
“Combat or wrestling-related; the precise development is debated”
Medieval Persian
Persian
kuštī
“Wrestling or combat”
Medieval India
Hindi/Urdu
kuśtī / kushtī
“Wrestling, especially traditional grappling”
Modern English
English
kushti
“A traditional Indian or Pakistani style of wrestling”
Explore more surprising origins