IKA PRESS RELEASE
Subject: Update on the 15th Senior World Kurash Championships 2025 and Related Events
Tashkent, [11-10-2025]
The International Kurash Association (IKA) announces an important update regarding the 15th Senior World Kurash Championships, originally scheduled to be held from November 17 to 23, 2025, alongside key organizational events including the IKA Congress, the Directing Committee Meeting, and the World Series Pro (WSP) Final.
In line with the official IKA calendar for 2025, the Turkish Kurash Federation was entrusted with hosting these prestigious events. This decision was made with full confidence and followed by multiple rounds of coordination meetings throughout the year in Turkey, Georgia, and France—including sessions in January, April, and July—with representatives from the IKA , the President of the European Kurash Confederation, and the Turkish Kurash Federation representatives .
During these meetings, firm assurances were provided by the Turkish side regarding the successful and professional organization of the championships. However, to the disappointment of the International kurash community, the Turkish Kurash Federation informed the IKA at a late stage that the necessary preparations had not been carried out to the required standard and that they would be unable to fulfill their hosting obligations.
This turn of events has placed the IKA in a challenging position and has raised serious concerns regarding the level of responsibility and organizational capacity demonstrated by the Turkish Kurash Federation.
Currently, the matter is under comprehensive review by both the IKA Directing Committee and the IKA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee. In accordance with Article 6, Clause 6.2 of the IKA Ethics and Disciplinary Code, any unjustified withdrawal or failure to fulfill hosting obligations less than three months before a scheduled international event constitutes a disciplinary violation. Sanctions under consideration include financial penalties, suspension, or even expulsion from the Association.
The IKA reaffirms its commitment to the global kurash community and will soon announce the new host country and updated dates for the 15th Senior World Championships.
The International Kurash Association deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to athletes, officials, and national federations, and thanks all members for their continued support and understanding during this time.
