Our beloved sport, Kurash, has taken another significant step forward on the international sports stage. It has now been officially included in the calendar of the world’s most prestigious military sports organisation—CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire).
From May 17 to 25, 2025, during the CISM General Assembly in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Kurash was officially added to the list of sports recognised by the council. This decision was unanimously approved by the military sports society, which comprises over 140 member states.
To mark this historic occasion, a press conference was held on June 19 at the Agency of Information and Mass Communications in Tashkent. The event was attended by:
Mr. Haider Farman, President of the International Kurash Association (IKA)
Mr. Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, IKA Vice-President
Mr. Mohammad Reza Nassiri, IKA General-Secretary
Mr. Shahrullo Makhmudov, Deputy Minister of Sports
Mr. Olimjon Usarov, Advisor to the Minister of Defense
Mr. Mansur Mamadaminov, representative of the Ministry of Defense
Mr. Mansur Mirzaev, Head of the IKA Administration
Representatives from the National Olympic Committee, Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Guard, State Security Service, International Kurash Institute, and several foreign federations.
As emphasised during the event, this achievement is the result of Kurash growing global influence in recent years. In particular, the direct attention and initiatives of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev—Honorary President of the International Kurash Association—have played a decisive role in this process.
There were over 70 Federation representatives from nearly 15 Countries from 3 continents ( India, Iran Poland, South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Nepal Malaysia, Greece, South Africa, South Korea, Kuwait, Georgia)
“This is not only a significant milestone in sports history but also a way to showcase Uzbekistan’s culture and values to the world through Kurash. We have achieved this result through the hard work of the entire Kurash community,” said Haider Farman, President of the International Kurash Association.
It is worth noting that CISM, established in 1948, organises the “Military Olympics”—the World Military Games—held every four years, featuring primarily combat sports. The inclusion of Kurash in this system highlights its recognition as a martial art within the international community.
“Kurash is not just a competition; it is a school of peace, discipline, respect, and ethics. In this sense, its participation in the military sports system carries both physical and spiritual significance,” said professor Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodja, IKA Vice-President.
The press conference also provided detailed information about the upcoming “Kurash Challenge Cup”, scheduled for September 5–6, 2026, in Tashkent. This tournament will mark the first official Kurash competition under CISM and will coincide with Uzbekistan’s Independence Day and “Kurash Day” (September 6). Alongside the sporting events, cultural programs showcasing Uzbek traditions and modern identity will also be held.
The inclusion of Kurash in CISM’s list of sports is another historic milestone for our beloved sport. Behind this decision lies not only official efforts but also years of dedication from the entire Kurash family.
The International Kurash Association expresses deep gratitude to the Government of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Defense, the National Olympic Committee, and CISM leadership for their support and cooperation in this process.
