No historian can say with confidence when kurash emerged as a martial art. Nevertheless, this unique legacy of our ancestors, dedicated to preserving the enduring national values, has its birthday. This is the World Day of Kurash, marked in September, as the International Kurash Association held its Founding Congress in Tashkent in 1998 on this day.

The global spread of the Uzbek national wrestling has become a result of Uzbekistan’s sovereignty gained in 1991 and opened way for international community to an inexhaustible stock of a variety of national historical, cultural and spiritual values. And sports values, as well. By initiating the creation of the International Kurash Association, the government demonstrated its attitude to the historical heritage of the people and engendered a unique conductor of Uzbek national values in the world.

Representatives from 28 countries who gathered on that memorable day in September 1998 in Tashkent unanimously voted for the establishment of the International Kurash Association (IKA) and elected Islam Karimov its honorary president. Thus, 14 years ago Kurash launched its glorious march across the globe. The evidence of its peaceful escalation are the traditional and numerous international tournaments held in England and India, Greece, Iran, France, Turkey and other countries, as well as adult and youth world and continental championships.

There are lots of examples. Just a week ago, Kiev, Ukraine hosted the first international tournament Cup of the Embassy of Uzbekistan organized by the Ukraine Federation of Kurash, which was occasioned to the 21st anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

The tournament gathered athletes from ten countries and, as usual, it was not only a sports festival, but also a cultural forum, as the opening ceremony featured dance teams, who performed the Uzbek and Ukrainian folk dances. The tournament, in addition to the individual championship in all weight categories, also included match meeting between Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Among those who managed to conquer the highest step of the podium, there were representatives of the Kurash homeland Aziz Rajabov (66 kg), Kamol Juraev (73) and Sherzod Dustikulov (90).

The peak of the season will be the 7th World Championship among juniors and young men, which will take place October 27-28 in Bournemouth, England. Paul Sawyer, general secretary of the British Association of Kurash said that they are preparing to hold it like Olympic Games: “The enthusiasm of Kurash fans in the UK is very high, we look forward to the upcoming world championship. Twelve-year experience of holding the International Islam Karimov Tournament in England helps us prepare for the championship, and I can say that it will be a real festival of Kurash.”

By the way, the National Federation of Kurash holds these days national youth championship in Jizzakh, which will become a qualifier for the World Championship. So on the world ‘carpet’ Uzbekistan will be represented by the best. (Source: Uzbekistan Today newspaper)