The IKA media team continues to present interviews of the participants of the World Championship
Sayid Mahmoud Zia Dashti, President of the Kurash Federation of Afghanistan
In 2002, I had the honor to found the Kurash Federation in Afghanistan. For 20 years I have been together with kurash. Today, kurash is the favorite and most popular sport of the people of Afghanistan. Wedding holidays do not pass without kurash. There are regional kurash federations in every region of our country.
This, of course, is not in itself. There were so many difficulties and obstacles. Now it’s history. New pages of the Afghan kurash are created every day.
We have big goals and plans ahead. The most important of them, of course, is the World Kurash Senior Championship in the city of Pune.
Afghan athletes have started special training for this championship.
Frankly speaking, as everyone knows, the political system has changed in our country, procedures and rules as well.
We are currently undergoing quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic. The days of the World Championship also coincide with the quarantine period.
In addition, India, among many countries, closed its embassy in Kabul after the change of government. For this reason, the issue of visas is also a serious concern.
There are also financial problems. But we also strive to make the most of our full capabilities.
Our athletes receive special training from experienced coaches to achieve their dreams. They properly monitor their workouts and diet.
Afghanistan will be represented at the World Championship by 4 athletes in different weight categories.
We dream of presenting Afghanistan to the world in a positive way with our sports medals.
We have long-term and strong ties with the International Kurash Association. It is worth noting that IKA staff are very professional and have always provided assistance to the Kurash Federation of Afghanistan. I express my sincere gratitude to the IKA management and all IKA members.
Kurash is in our blood, and we constantly call on this blood to fight with us.
The World Championship serves as a school of great experience for our athletes. We will have the opportunity to apply this experience to our clubs, athletes and regional kurash teams.
Our athletes whocompete to raise the flag of our country high and are making more efforts to protect the honor of our native country at world competitions. This big goal is difficult to explain in words.
Recently we won 1 silver medal in the absolute weight category at the 4th World Nomad Games in Turkey.
I believe that we will return from Pune with great results.
At the moment, I wish all athletes good health and success.
I would like to thank the Kurash Association of India in advance for hosting such a major Kurash championship.
