9th General Assembly of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation Held in Urmia

According to the Public Relations Office of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF), the 9th General Assembly of IZSF was held in Urmia, Iran, with the participation of representatives from member countries, Federation officials, and members of the media.

At the opening of the Assembly, a documentary showcasing the cultural heritage, tourism attractions, and sporting achievements of West Azerbaijan Province was presented, followed by the presentation of a commemorative book introducing the province to all international delegates.

Mr. Reza Rahmani, Governor of West Azerbaijan Province, welcomed the representatives of the participating countries and stated:

"Traditional and Pahlavani sports, such as Zurkhaneh Sports, can serve as powerful instruments for strengthening cultural unity, promoting the spirit of chivalry, and enhancing sports diplomacy among nations."

Addressing the Assembly, Dr. Mohsen Mehralizadeh, President of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation, remarked:

"Zurkhaneh Sports represent a priceless cultural heritage that embodies ethics, spirituality, strength, and tradition. It is not merely a physical competition but a philosophy that promotes chivalry, humanity, and mutual respect. The international development of this sport is both a shared responsibility and a cultural mission."

Dr. Mitra Rouhi, Secretary General of IZSF, highlighted the Federation's commitment to supporting its member federations, stating:

"Through a scientific, strategic, and supportive approach, the Federation's Secretariat is fully prepared to assist national federations in strengthening their technical, educational, and media infrastructures. The continued progress of Zurkhaneh Sports depends upon the exchange of knowledge, experience, and cooperation among our member countries."

Presenting the Federation's financial report, Mr. Ali Dolatshahi, Treasurer of IZSF, emphasised the importance of stronger institutional support:

"National federations should actively seek greater support from their governments, cultural institutions, and sports authorities. The promotion of Zurkhaneh Sports requires broader financial investment and stronger media engagement. Governments have an important role to play in preserving and developing this authentic cultural sport."

Reports from the Federation's Standing Committees

During the Assembly, the chairs and representatives of the Federation's specialised committees presented reports outlining their activities, challenges, and future programmes.

Medical Committee

The Medical Committee reaffirmed that athlete health and safety remain its highest priority, announcing ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive international medical protocols to ensure consistent health supervision at all official competitions.

Technical Committee

The Technical Committee emphasised that the harmonisation of competition rules and technical standards requires continuous education for coaches and referees. To achieve this objective, the Committee plans to organise additional international training courses and technical seminars.

Para Zurkhaneh Committee

The Para Zurkhaneh Committee underlined its commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities, recognising Zurkhaneh Sports as an effective platform for empowerment, rehabilitation, and social inclusion.

Education Committee

The Education Committee reported that the sustainable growth of Zurkhaneh Sports depends upon structured education. It is currently preparing standardised educational materials for different age groups and is working towards introducing Zurkhaneh Sports into schools and universities.

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee stressed that achieving greater international recognition requires professional marketing strategies, enhanced media production, and stronger sponsorship opportunities. National federations were encouraged to play a more active role in promoting the sport within their respective countries.

Exchange of Experiences and Requests for Support

Representatives from numerous member countries shared their experiences and emphasised the importance of international cooperation, technical assistance, and access to educational resources.

Delegations from Nepal, India, and Pakistan, in particular, highlighted infrastructure limitations within their countries and requested technical assistance, educational support, and equipment from the International Federation to accelerate the development of Zurkhaneh Sports.

These requests were welcomed by the relevant IZSF committees, which expressed their readiness to develop targeted support programmes for emerging national federations.

A Successful and Constructive Assembly

The 9th General Assembly concluded in a positive and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the collective determination of the Federation's member countries to further expand Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani worldwide.

The meeting reaffirmed that Zurkhaneh Sports are not only a symbol of physical strength but also a unique expression of Pahlavani values, ethical conduct, mutual respect, cultural solidarity, and friendship among nations.

The detailed minutes of the Assembly, together with the full reports of the Federation's specialised committees, will be published on the official website of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF) in due course.