Third International Conference on Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani

The Third International Conference on Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani was held with the participation of officials, researchers, and experts in the field. During the conference, Eng. Mohsen Mehralizadeh, President of the International Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani Federation (IZSF), delivered a keynote address.

In his speech, Eng. Mehralizadeh highlighted the internationalization of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani, stating that the process began in 2002 with the support and emphasis of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He explained that the key initiatives included establishing organizational structures across different countries and continents, defining the responsibilities of national federations, standardizing competition regulations and event management procedures, developing educational programs, and setting international standards for equipment and facilities. According to him, these efforts, carried out with the collaboration of leading experts and specialists over nearly two decades, resulted in the development of comprehensive international frameworks for the sport.

The President of the International Federation further noted that the Federation was officially established in 2004, with the participation of senior officials and representatives from 22 countries, and that its permanent headquarters is located in Tehran, Iran.

He also reviewed the Federation's major achievements in the field of international competitions, including the organization of five World Cups, seven Asian Championships, six European Championships, four World Championships, two African Championships, one Para Zurkhaneh Championship, one South Asian Championship, one European Koshti Pahlavani Championship, eight International Tournaments, competitions held during the Islamic Solidarity Games, as well as the online Peace and Friendship Cup and the Africa Online Championship.

Addressing the Federation's educational and research activities, Eng. Mehralizadeh stated that it has successfully organized eight international symposiums and congresses, 80 educational courses, and five International Instructor Training Programs for coaches, referees, and Morsheds (traditional Zurkhaneh masters).

He described the international recognition of the sport as one of the Federation's most significant accomplishments, emphasizing that Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani have been recognized by UNESCO through both the Intergovernmental Committee for Traditional Sports (ICM) and the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) framework.

In conclusion, the President of the International Federation highlighted the Federation's membership in several prestigious international organizations, including TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All), the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (ICM), the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU), the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE), and UNESCO's International Council of Traditional Games.

The conference was organized with the objective of exploring opportunities for the global development of Zurkhaneh Sports and Koshti Pahlavani, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience, and strengthening international cooperation in the field.