Mysuru: With the passing of legendary wrestler “Tiger” Pailwaan Balaji Jetti, Mysuru lost a towering personality whose life and achievements were inseparably linked to the city’s cultural and sporting heritage. He passed away on Friday at the age of 67. His mortal remains are kept at his house in Sunnadakeri. The final rites will be performed at Chamundi Hill burial ground after 10.30am on Saturday.Revered across generations, Balaji Jetti was a household name, admired not only for his extraordinary prowess in traditional wrestling, but also for his commanding presence.
Balaji Jetti’s popularity was evident even during the recent Dasara wrestling competition. When chief minister Siddaramaiah entered the arena to inaugurate the event, he immediately recognised the veteran wrestler, greeted him and said: “Tiger, yenappa hegideeya?” (Tiger, how are you?), and interacted with him — an acknowledgement of Balaji Jetti’s enduring stature in the wrestling fraternity. It was often said that whenever Balaji Jetti stepped into the wrestling pit, the ground itself seemed to tremble. Even in his later years, his mere presence was enough to intimidate formidable opponents. Fondly known as the “Tiger of Mysore”, he remained a symbol of strength, discipline, and fearlessness. Despite his legendary status, Balaji Jetti led a life of remarkable simplicity, earning his livelihood as an autorickshaw driver. He was also a respected referee during Mysuru Dasara wrestling bouts, known for upholding the true spirit and discipline of kushti. Senior wrestler Pailwaan S Mahadev recalled that Balaji Jetti’s readiness to take on any opponent, irrespective of fame or stature. Hailing from a family of renowned wrestlers, Balaji Jetti took to the sport at a young age and carried forward the legacy.
