When eventual champions NCR Punjab Royals played Mumbai Maharathi in the semifinal of the Pro Wrestling league (PWl) in the Capital on Wednesday, the fans were provided with a surprise treat -- Yoga guru Baba Ramdev taking on 2008 Olympic silver medalist Andriy Stadnik in a promotional bout.
Stadnik will be well remembered by Indian wrestling enthusiasts as he had defeated Sushil Kumar in the Beijing Olympics. However, as the Ukrainian reached the Final, it gave Sushil an opportunity to play in repechage and win a bronze medal for the country.
So seeing the yoga guru challenging a renowned wrestler, came as a surprise to many. However, Ramdev was unfazed by the occasion and the opponent, promising to show the real power of yoga in the match.
"I have fought bouts with national-level wrestlers. But playing against an internationally renowned player will be more exciting. You will witness the real power of yoga in this match," he said the day before the bout.
On Wednesday, Baba, owner of Patanjali Ayurved limited - the title sponsor of PWl, walked in to a huge round of applause and cheer from supporters.Dressed in his trademark outfit, the 51-year-old showed no signs of nervousness or pressure and stayed calm as usual.
He went on the mat and shook the former European champion's hand and then started doing yogasanas. Then began the friendly bout. Baba was quickly off his block and proved to be aggressor.
Ramdev displayed his wrestling skills, pulling out certain technical moves such as take-down, one-leg hold and pinning down.
Before the fight, Baba told his audience that he had long been into stamina building and whenever he got time, he would also visit akharas to study wrestling. His level of fitness was certainly visible in the aggressive, sharp manner he moved around the mat.
However, since it was a promotional bout, the 34-year-old Stadnik went easy on Baba and allowed him to have his way.
After nearly 2 minutes, Ramdev was adjudged winner by an impressive 12-0 margin. Waving to the cheering supporters, he said: "Bharat Mata ki Jai. I am basically a yogi and once did a little bit of wrestling in akharas. I am confident, one day, wrestling will become the most popular sport," he added.
Ramdev exhorted people to do wrestling as, he said, it helps in stamina-building. Giving tips on a healthy lifestyle, he said: "Do 'kapal bharti' and 'anulom vilom' for good health," the breathing exercises he vehemently promotes on all platforms.
This was not the first time that Baba has shown interest in friendly wrestling bouts. last year, on the 20th anniversary of his ashram in Hardwar, Ramdev had challenged India's only individual two-time Olympic wrestling medallist and former world champion Sushil Kumar in a friendly wrestling match.
Nothing much can be made out of a friendly fight, but with the enthusiasm, sharpness and eagerness with which he fought Stadnik, Baba Ramdev did get one message across — yoga does help you stay fit and healthy.