Indian women are the new stars of "lucha libre," Bolivia's version of entertainment wrestling.

Adopting stage names and personas, the women take to the ring in traditional dress. Known as the Cholitas, they attract thousands of spectators in El Alto, a largely Indian city in the western mountains, and sizable crowds in smaller towns.

One of the biggest stars is Ana Polonia Choque. She is 40, owns a successful jewelry business and has two kids. Her training regimen includes workouts and a weekly hike up a 15,000-foot peak.

Get the Story:
In This Corner, in the Flouncy Skirt and Bowler Hat... (The New York Times 7/21)
pwnyt

Related Stories:
Opinion: Bolivian Indians raise important issues (06/14)
Opinion: Indians still second-class citizens in Bolivia (6/13)
Judge sworn in as new president of Bolivia (6/10)
Bolivian Indians demand new election for president (6/9)
Indian-led protests in Bolivia take violent turn (6/8)
Indian protests in Bolivia prompt resignation offer (6/7)
Indian youth in Bolivian city embrace hip-hop (05/26)
Clashes reported as Bolivian Indians stage protest (5/25)
Indian protests in Bolivia prompt resignation offer (03/08)
Indians in Bolivia protest hike in gasoline prices (01/25)
Indian activists in Bolivia stage major protests (01/13)
Indian political party wins Bolivian elections (12/07)
Indians in Bolivia seek self-determination (07/19)
Indians in Bolivia hope to create tribal nation (01/08)
Writer says Indian movement threatens democracy (11/13)
Ecuador's Indians to stage massive protests (10/30)
Bolivia's Indians march to celebrate power (10/21)
Bolivia's Indians help drive president from office (10/20)
Bolivian Indians marching against president (10/17)