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The right mat: Boosting performance and safety in wrestling and kabaddi
In contact sports such as wrestling and kabaddi, the playing surface plays a critical role in determining athlete safety, comfort, and performance. The mat not only cushions falls but also influences how athletes move, grip, and balance during high-intensity encounters. While both sports are contact-driven and demand immense physicality, they have distinct characteristics that shape how the mat interacts with the athletes.
Injury prevention and safety
The prevention of injuries is a paramount concern in both wrestling and kabaddi, given the physical intensity and frequent body contact involved in both sports. The right mat can significantly reduce the risk of injury by providing adequate cushioning to absorb the force of falls, tackles, and other impacts.
In wrestling mat must be soft enough for cushion falls yet firm enough to allow for proper improvement and grip. Wrestlers engage in intense grappling, throws and takedowns all of which put pressure on the body. Mats that are too firm may fail to absorb the impact effectively, leading to increased risk of concussions, joint injuries, and bruising. Conversely, mats that are too soft may cause instability, making it harder for athletes to maintain their balance, potentially increasing the risk of sprains and twists. Additionally, modern wrestling mats are often coated with antimicrobial substances to prevent infections, which are which are common in close-contact sports
Athlete comfort
Athlete comfort is another critical factor influenced by the mat choice in both wrestling and kabaddi. Comfort not only affects an athlete’s immediate experience but also their long-term performance by reducing fatigue and injury.
In wrestling, the mat’s ability to provide a stable yet cushioned surface is crucial for minimizing joint stress. Wrestlers spend significant time grappling on the ground, and a comfortable mat can reduce the wear and tear on their bodies. The material and thickness of the mat play a significant role in determining the level of comfort. High-density foam mats are often preferred for wrestling, as they provide both comfort and support, allowing athletes to perform at their best without experiencing undue fatigue from harsh landings or prolonged groundwork.
Similarly, in kabaddi, where athletes must make rapid sprints and execute tackles in a small playing area, the mat’s comfort is critical. A surface that is too hard can lead to discomfort, reducing the players’ ability to make explosive movements, while a surface that is too soft can make it difficult to change direction quickly, affecting agility. The transition from traditional mud surfaces to synthetic mats has led to a need for materials that minimize discomfort and reduce the impact on joints during fast-paced action. Properly designed mats can help reduce fatigue, enabling players to maintain high performance over longer durations.
Impact on performance
The type of mat used in wrestling and kabaddi can directly impact athletic performance. In athletic mats, the right amount of grip allows athletes to execute takedowns, throws, and holds with precision. If the mat is too slippery, it can result in failed techniques or unnecessary slips, hindering performance. Grip is especially important in wrestling where leverage and positioning are key to gaining an advantage over the opponent. The surface texture of the mat should allow wrestlers to move fluidly while providing the necessary traction to maintain stability during aggressive movement.
In kabaddi, mat design is equally important for performance. As the game involves rapid sprints, sudden directional changes, and quick tackles, the mat must provide adequate grip for the feet. This prevents slipping during crucial movements, allowing players to maintain balance and control. A good quality mat can enhance player agility, giving them the confidence to perform complex maneuvers without the fear of losing their footing. Furthermore, the elasticity of the mat can affect how a player rebound from tackles and how quickly they can regain their footing which is crucial in a game where speed is paramount.
The choice of mats in kabaddi and wrestling is more than just a matter of comfort it is integral to injury prevention, athlete well-being, and peak performance. In wrestling, mats that balance the softness and firmness reduce the risk of injury while promoting optimal movement and grip. Similarly in Kabaddi, modern mats have evolved to provide comfort, safety, and agility allowing athletes to perform at their best. As both sports continue to develop, innovations in mat technology will play an increasingly important role in enhancing athlete safety, comfort, and performance on the mat.
The article has been authored by Gravolite director Paras Maheshwari.
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Raghu Rai passes away at 83, leaves behind iconic legacy
Padma Shri-winning photographer documented history across 5 decades.
MUMBAI: The lens may have stilled, but the stories it captured will never fade. Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photojournalists, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi after battling cancer and age-related health issues.
His son, Nitin Rai, revealed that Rai had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, which later spread to the stomach and, more recently, the brain. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, his health had declined in recent months.
Born in 1942 in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai entered photography in his early twenties, inspired by his elder brother, photographer S. Paul. Beginning his career in the mid-1960s, he went on to build a body of work that spanned more than five decades, contributing to global publications such as Time, Life, GEO, Le Figaro, The New York Times, Vogue, GQ and Marie Claire.
His global recognition took a decisive leap in 1977 when legendary French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson nominated him to join Magnum Photos, placing him among the world’s most respected visual storytellers.
Rai’s lens chronicled both power and poignancy. He photographed towering figures such as Indira Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Bal Thackeray, Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa, while also documenting defining moments like the Bhopal gas tragedy later captured in his book Exposure: A Corporate Crime.
Over the years, he published more than 18 books, building an archive that blended journalism with artistry. His contributions were recognised early when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his coverage of the Bangladesh War and refugee crisis. In 1992, he was named “Photographer of the Year” in the United States for his work in National Geographic, and in 2009, he was honoured with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai. His last rites will be held at Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday.
With his passing, Indian photojournalism loses not just a pioneer, but a patient observer of history, one frame at a time.
