Our Ultimate Goal is the Inclusion of Zurkhaneh Sports in the Asian Games and the Olympic Games

According to the Public Relations Office of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF), Dr. Mohsen Mehralizadeh, President of the International Federation, addressed a press conference held at the Federation's headquarters ahead of the 7th Asian Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Championships in Urmia.

At the outset of his remarks, Dr. Mehralizadeh expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr. Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran, for his continued support in promoting and expanding Zurkhaneh Sports and for his significant contribution to the successful organisation of the Asian Championships.

He announced that the 7th Asian Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Championships would be held in Urmia from 8 to 10 October 2025. He noted that the mission of the International Federation is to promote and expand the sport worldwide, emphasising that the Federation welcomes any nation hosting international competitions as part of its strategy to accelerate global development.

Dr. Mehralizadeh added that hosting the Championships in Iran is particularly valuable because it allows the Iranian public to witness the high standard of the competition, thereby increasing public support for the development of this traditional sport. He explained that the International Federation was established more than 21 years ago with the support of senior national authorities and has continued to grow despite various challenges. Today, the Federation has active member organisations in 85 countries.

Reflecting on the early years of the Federation, he recalled that when he served as the country's senior sports official more than two decades ago, Zurkhaneh Sports was facing decline within Iran, with many traditional Zurkhanehs being converted into cafés and restaurants. He noted that today the sport has experienced a remarkable revival and has significantly strengthened both its national and international standing.

Dr. Mehralizadeh highlighted that IZSF regularly organises continental championships, World Championships, World Cups, and other international tournaments. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial challenges temporarily affected the competition calendar, he confirmed that the Federation has successfully resumed its international programme. He also acknowledged the support of the Government, Parliament, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth in providing the necessary financial resources to host the Asian Championships.

He confirmed that athletes and officials from 17 participating countries would compete in the Championships. The programme includes the IZSF General Assembly on the opening day, Zurkhaneh Sports competitions on the second day, and Koshti Pahlavani competitions on the final day. Looking ahead, he announced that the 2025 World Cup is scheduled to be held in India, while the European Championships are planned for Armenia, adding that the Federation is financially prepared to organise both events as scheduled.

Speaking about the relationship between the International Federation and the National Federation of Iran, Dr. Mehralizadeh described the cooperation as excellent. He particularly praised the active involvement of Minister Donyamali in ensuring that the Championships would be organised to the highest international standards. He explained that due to the high costs of international travel and accommodation, invitations could not be extended to seven additional countries that had expressed interest in participating. Nevertheless, the event has been organised through a cooperative financial framework, with the International Federation contributing to certain organisational costs while recognising that Iran possesses sufficient domestic resources to host the event successfully.

Regarding international participation, he stated that representatives or presidents of federations from 17 participating nations would attend the Championships, while delegates from 22 member countries would also participate in the General Assembly.

Addressing the Federation's long-term objectives, Dr. Mehralizadeh reaffirmed that the ultimate goal of IZSF is the inclusion of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani in the Asian Games and, ultimately, the Olympic Games.

He explained that several international criteria must first be fulfilled. One important requirement is obtaining recognition from a sufficient number of National Olympic Committees (NOCs). To date, 16 NOC recognitions have already been secured, and the Federation is working to obtain additional recognitions before applying for inclusion in the Asian Games.

Regarding Olympic recognition, he noted that the sport must also establish at least 60 recognised national federations worldwide, while maintaining regular national, continental, and world championships. He acknowledged that achieving Olympic inclusion will require sustained effort, continued investment, and strong international cooperation, as political support and international relations also play an important role in the recognition process.

Responding to a question regarding women's participation, Dr. Mehralizadeh stated that, although no formal requests have yet been received from other countries, should women's competitions be introduced internationally, participation would take place in accordance with appropriate attire that respects the traditions and regulations of the sport.

Concerning the governance of the Federation, he announced that the IZSF Electoral General Assembly for the election of Executive Board members would be held on Wednesday.

Also addressing the press conference, Mr. Mehrali Baranchehmeh, President of the National Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation of Iran, stated that all necessary preparations for the Championships had been completed successfully.

He announced that 17 countries would participate in Koshti Pahlavani, while 13 countries would compete in Zurkhaneh Sports. He also confirmed that the Minister of Sports and Youth, the Governor of West Azerbaijan Province, and several senior civil and military officials would attend the opening ceremony.

Mr. Baranchehmeh noted that countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq are among Iran's strongest competitors, predicting a highly competitive tournament of excellent technical quality.

Concluding his remarks, he expressed hope that the Championships would further promote what he described as one of the world's oldest sporting traditions. He highlighted the Federation's domestic development initiatives, particularly through educational programmes implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education under the Shahid Tooghani and Ebrahim Hadi projects. After several years of stagnation, he reported that 8,000 Morsheds (traditional Zurkhaneh instructors) have been trained over the past two years, with ongoing efforts to introduce millions of school students to Zurkhaneh Sports.

Finally, he expressed his appreciation to Dr. Mehralizadeh and the International Federation for entrusting the National Federation with hosting this prestigious continental championship.