Wrestling club at temple 'a place for everyone'

A wresting club that has been based at a Sikh temple for more than 50 years has brought the community together, members said.

In 1972, the group established themselves at Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara on Cannock Road, Wolverhampton.

Head coach Ranjit Singh said the club was a place of belonging and joined people from different backgrounds and religions together.

"The way we run our club, it's a big wrestling family," he told BBC Radio WM.

Mr Singh's family were wrestlers and they brought the tradition to the UK when they came from India in the 1960s.

He said that the sport was unique because it wasn't mainstream in the UK.

Anuj Dubedi grew up in Italy and now lives in Wolverhampton.

Since joining the wrestling club, he said he was more dedicated to learning new things and focussing on school work.

"I think {this club} is unique, I've never seen nothing this like in the country," he said.

"Even in Italy, there was nothing so inclusive for everybody, this is in the place for everyone," he added.

Imane Sbihi, from Morocco, said the club made her feel happy.

"We all have problems in life and once you get into the wrestling room, it feels like your mind is clear."

She said that the club was free from judgement on how you dress or your skin colour.

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