Chats wrestler gets a grip on world title
CHATSWORTH’S home-grown wrestler, Daryl Naidu, 33, popularly known as Nightmare, bagged his first international title last weekend while competing in a championship in India.
The Indian Pro Wrestling (IPW) and World Wrestling Professionals (WWP) organisations combined to stage the IPW War of Pride Wrestling event in Punjab.
Naidu successfully defended the hard-core title at the event when he took on fellow wrestlers before a crowd of 20 000.
He said his face had been on billboards around India in the build-up to the event.
Naidu said the hard-core championship meant there were no rules in the ring.
“The referee cannot disqualify wrestlers if they use illegal moves. It boils down to survival of the fittest and who will be the last one standing.
“It’s considered the most dangerous form of wrestling.”
Naidu said the event had pitted local Indian wrestlers against competitors used to performing in the international arena.
The bill included former WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) superstars Carlito and Bobby Lashley.
“I’m glad I was able to make my mark in India. I was selected by their Minister of Sport to train and work with the Indian team. WWP and I will be assisting with India’s efforts to improve wrestling in the country,” said Naidu.
He said he had been thrilled to secure his first international title in his 11th year as a professional.
“This is just the beginning. Hopefully it will help to get my name on to the international stage and help the WWP promote South African wrestlers around the world.
“Forging relations with wrestlers from India is an exciting prospect and I look forward to working closely with them in the future,” said Naidu.