Hira Munir

Visual Storyteller
   
Legacy
Location: Pakistan
Nationality: Pakistani
Biography: Hira Munir Abro is a documentary photographer born in Sindh, Pakistan. Her work focuses on cultural identity, material histories, and the ever-changing social dynamics that affect the narrative of shared cultures and belief systems.  Hira is... MORE
Public Story
Legacy
Copyright Hira Munir 2024
Updated Sep 2022
Location Lahore, Pakistan
Hafeez Pehalwan is the last wrestler in his lineage. He has won three gold medals and numerous other competitions. He was trained by the famous Bholu brothers of Pakistan and has worked in Pakistan Railways, and played wrestling side by side. He now runs a small shop inside Bhatti Gate in an old walled city where he makes this favorite drink Sardai, and also stitches clothes. He won three gold medals in three different countries; Iran, Jamaica, and Indonesia, and participated in numerous other competitions.

No one is carrying forward his legacy as his sons have decided to pursue other professions. His eldest son helps him in running this shop and also does his work of making school bags. Once a cherished sport and way of life for many, the future of Pehlwani (wrestling) is uncertain in this historic city of Lahore, Pakistan.

"Pehlwani (wrestling) was my life. I did a lot of pehlwani (wrestling) and won many gold medals and tournaments back in the day. But achieving it wasn't easy. My day started at 2:00 am, doing pushups, squats, and log, or sandbag pulling. All this was mandatory before daily training sessions in an akhara (sandpits). Pehlwani (wrestling) has given me so much and taught me a lot. You just don't become a pehlwan (wrestler) physically, but mentally as well for the rest of your life. I cherish those memories as that is all I have left. All my gold medals and pictures, and belongings are lost. We live in a rented place, and it all got lost while shifting homes. Now all I have are golden memories stored in my head. But I am grateful for whatever memory I have of those days."


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