Abstract
ABSTRACT Pehlwani (Indian wrestling) and bodybuilding are sports characterized by an intense focus on the body and by an almost lifelong commitment to regulating and maintaining this body. Both these sports also align with cultural, hegemonic ideals of what it means to be a man. Finally, both these sports, in the context of Pakistan, also form exclusively male communities based on admiration, love and respect. These communities, however, are reliant on the invisible labour of women (wives, sisters and mothers). This study seeks to understand these sports through a homosocial lens and understand the key features of this homosociality. It also aims to compare these sports and identify similarities and differences. It also seeks to highlight how within hegemonic structures there are spaces for alternative conceptions. This article is based on a qualitative ethnographic study conducted in July 2021 in the cities of Lahore and Gujranwala in Punjab, Pakistan. It consisted of over 30 interviews with various athletes as well as participant observation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
