Zurkhaneh Sports on the Path to Globalisation: IZSF Officials Visit the Faculty of Physical Education

According to the Public Relations Office of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF), a special ceremony was held at the Faculty of Physical Education of Tajikistan, where Dr. Mehralizadeh, President of IZSF; Dr. Manaf Hashemi, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Dr. Bathaei, Deputy Minister of Interior and Chairman of the IZSF Education and Research Committee; along with members of the IZSF Executive Board, were warmly welcomed by the President and academic staff of the Faculty.

Addressing the students, the President of the Faculty expressed appreciation for the presence of the distinguished guests and expressed hope that the Faculty could benefit from Iran’s successful experiences in the field of sports development.

Dr. Mehralizadeh, while presenting an overview of the activities of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation, highlighted the establishment of the international federation in 2004 and its expansion to include 85 member countries worldwide. He announced IZSF’s full support for activating this discipline at the university level, including the deployment of coaches and Morsheds (traditional Zurkhaneh masters), as well as the inclusion of Zurkhaneh Sports courses within the academic curriculum for students.

Dr. Manaf Hashemi, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth, thanked the officials and organisers of the gathering and emphasised that Iran possesses valuable experience in elite sports, mass participation sports, and women’s sports. He stated Iran’s readiness to share these experiences with the Faculty of Physical Education of Tajikistan.

He further stressed the importance of greater cooperation with sports federations, particularly the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation, and the expansion of this traditional sport, which represents a shared cultural heritage between Iran and Tajikistan. He also announced Iran’s readiness to support the strengthening of Tajikistan’s national teams to achieve stronger performances in international competitions.

At the conclusion of the visit, the officials toured the Faculty’s Sports Achievements Museum and signed the museum’s commemorative book, paying tribute to the memory of the late Tajikistan rowing coach who had spent many years in Iran training and developing athletes.