Nandy, who became a Labour MP at the General Election in May, has joined forces with Sport England to lend her support to a sport that has traditionally been overlooked in terms of funding and recognition.

The North West of England has a strong tradition of wrestling, and when Sport England approached Nandy to take part in their Parliamentarians' sport fellowship programme, she agreed instantly.

The scheme involves trying out the sport over the course of a year, meeting champions of the sport, and acting as its advocate both in and out of Parliament.

Nandy was recently appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Cabinet Minister for the Olympics, Tessa Jowell.

Nandy has already met up with both Colin Nicholson, the chief executive of British Wrestling, and Malcolm Morley, the chairman, at the Wrestling Academy in Salford.

"It was a great pleasure to meet these fantastic athletes, who did so well at the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi," said Nandy.

"I'm really looking forward to working with British Wrestling and Sport England to raise awareness of the sport, and in particular in the run up to the Olympics, given my new job in the Shadow Cabinet."

Nicholson said he was delighted to have a Parliamentary champion for wrestling, and impressed with Nandy's enthusiasm for the sport and for her new role.

"She understands how popular wrestling is in and around her constituency in Wigan, and has really come on board in terms of giving us her support and with her enthusiasm," he said.

"It is much appreciated.

"I think this is a great scheme by Sport England, and it is a terrific opportunity for our sport to earn some recognition, and to have someone fighting our corner in the House of Commons.

"Her input and her enthusiasm is much appreciated."