
Khasbaug
'Kusti,' wrestling is popular game at Kolhapur.
Some of the Kings were themselves good wrestlers. Almost every
week Kusti festivals were arranged here in their period. That
time Kusti festivals were in open ground preparing temperory 'Kusti
Houda,' special platform for Kusti.
It was King Shahu, being himself a good wrestler was thinking
to have permanent stadium for Kusti festival. When he was on Europe
tour he saw famous stadium 'Callocium' at Rome and decided to
build such stadium at Kolhapur. After returning from tour he constructed
the Khasbaug Maidan style of 'Callocium' of Rome.
Though not beautiful as 'Callocium' Khasbaug Kusti Maidan is Unique
in India. Over 60000 people can see the Kusti at the central Houda
clearly without any disturbance. Separate platform is there for
Royal family on eastside of the Houda. India's famous wrestlers
since Shahu's period have played Kusti here atleast once in life
including Asian Games Gold Medal Winner Satpal.