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Altaf Qadri / AP
Villagers display their strength by allowing a tractor carrying three adults pass over them during a rural sports festival, also known as "Indian Rural Olympics", in Kila Raipur, near Ludhiana, India, on Feb. 11. The sports festival features major Punjabi rural sports including Bullock cart race, tug-of-war, tractor race and events for the disabled, among others.
Altaf Qadri / AP
An Indian villager pulls a car with his teeth during the 'Rural Olympics'.
It was in 1933. Philanthropist Inder Singh Grewal visualised an annual recreational meet where farmers from areas surrounding Kila Raipur could get together and test their corporal endurance. The idea gave birth to Kila Raipur Sports, the undisputed “Rural Olympics”.
...
Today this festival of the rustics attracts more than 4,000 sportsmen and women, both of recognised and traditional sports. The three-day festival is witnessed by more than a million people. Besides, several million others watch it on television, read about it in newspapers and magazines.
--From the Kila Raipur Sports Festival site
Altaf Qadri / AP
A villager balances a plough in his mouth during a rural sports festival, also known as "Indian Rural Olympics", in Kila Raipur, near Ludhiana, India, Feb. 11.
Altaf Qadri / AP
A bull jumps over a cot during the "Indian Rural Olympics", Feb. 11.
Altaf Qadri / AP
A roadside vendor sells peanuts as villagers, sitting on a wall in the background, watch performances during the "Indian Rural Olympics."
Altaf Qadri / AP
A Sikh warrior, riding on two horses, performs during the "Indian Rural Olympics".
Altaf Qadri / AP
Elderly Sikh men participate in a race during the "Indian Rural Olympics", on Feb. 11.
Altaf Qadri / AP
A young boy climbs on a truck as an Indian camel owner leads his camel to the venue of a rural sports festival, also known as "Indian Rural Olympics", Feb. 11.