How a wrestling ring in Havant became a home for inclusion

A wrestling ring in Havant is becoming an unexpected home for confidence, community and inclusion.

Every Monday, adults with learning disabilities and additional needs step onto the mats to take part in a pro-wrestling session run by brothers Rishi and Rajah Ghosh – both long-time professional wrestlers on the independent circuit.

Designed to be fully accessible, the sessions blend movement, teamwork and self-belief.

From rope running to practising clotheslines, the atmosphere is loud, lively and filled with encouragement.

Head coach Rishi Ghosh said: “These sessions are for anyone. It’s for people with additional needs, for people’s friends and family who might have additional needs.

“These are inclusive sessions for everyone.”

His brother Rajah shares the same motivation, believing that wrestling is the perfect way to bring people together.

“We wanted to create a space where members of the local community might not get a chance to do these things – there certainly isn’t anything like this locally,” he said.

Rajah said that the academy represents more than a training centre.

“We often refer to wrestling as the ultimate escapism.

“Life’s hard for a lot of people so they can come here [Quality Wrestling Academy], they can close the door on all their other problems and concentrate on their passion and what they love.”

The participants agree.

Many say the sessions help them grow their confidence, make new friends and feel part of a family.

One attendee described the brothers “as amazing, both as coaches and people,” while another said they feel “very welcome to be here.”