In one of the world’s most unusual sports, MIDDLE-aged women don petticoats, bowler hats, and traditional long skirts as they battle it out in Bolivian female wrestling.
The WWF has been redefined as the Women’s Wrestling Federation. There’s no doubt that times are changing. To be frank, just tune in to the Jerry Springer show to observe that women can throw down better than men. While men grapple and roll about, the “ladies” truly engage with one another.
Naturally, I say this with a hint of humor (though not entirely), but the wrestling is as intense and gritty as any sport gets.
These uniquely attired participants — predominantly mothers and housewives — are celebrated figures in the South American nation, where thousands flock to witness matches weekly.
Known as Cholitas, the wrestlers undergo rigorous training to take part in the 
traditional female sport, which involves women leaping off ropes, soaring high in the air, and landing heavily on each other.
It’s common to see injuries and bloodied faces — with regulations permitting fighters to smash wooden crates over each other’s heads and perform slam dunks on opponents.
Cholita wrestling was established several decades ago by a group of proud peasant mothers seeking to empower indigenous women in a male-dominated society.
In Bolivia, fighters have become a familiar sight, showcasing their characteristic thick skirts, stockings, shawls, and bowler hats. The sport is rapidly evolving into one of the foremost spectator events in this South American country. Well-known female wrestlers appear on stickers reminiscent of cigarette cards or Panini football stickers, fervently exchanged among children.
Training sessions for Cholitas occur twice weekly, largely in the Mortal 
Combat marquee located in the capital, La Paz, billed as ‘family entertainment’ — where women clash and debut new acrobatic maneuvers.
Every Sunday, sell-out showdowns culminate in the prestigious Ring Titans of Bolivia championship titles.
Ana Polonia Choque, a 40-year-old competitor, operates a modest lunch stand during the week in La Paz. However, on weekends, she transforms into Carmen ‘The Champion’ Rosa.
Ana recounted, “A decade ago, I began wrestling after winning a local audition.
“We’re proving to men that women are strong too.
“My husband, Oscar, was initially against my involvement in the ring due to the potential for bloodshed — but now he enjoys considerable prestige from having a Cholita as his wife.”
Ana is now actively working on establishing a national wrestling league called Goddesses of the Ring to highlight their skills.
