An online dialogue was organised between Mr Ziyoviddin Khodjiniyazov, Acting President of the International Kurash Association (IKA), and Mr Thomas Dunker, President of the African Kurash Union (AKU).
The meeting discussed the development of Kurash on the African continent, preparations for major international competitions, and further strengthening cooperation between the two organisations.
The dialogue, organised via the Zoom platform, was attended by Mansur Mirzaev, Head of the IKA Administration, Umid Yakubov, IKA Advisor, Khabibulla Tadjiev, Rector of the International Kurash Institute (IKI), and sectoral staff of the International Kurash Association.
At the beginning of the dialogue, Thomas Dunker provided information on preparations for the the continental championships, Senior World Kurash Championships, and competitions within the framework of CISM.
Also, an exchange of views took place on the process of developing Kurash in African countries, existing achievements, and some topical issues in the field.
During the meeting, the issue of providing African national federations with Kurash uniforms (Yaktaks) and Gilams was discussed, and it was agreed to take practical support measures in this direction.
In particular, it was announced that within the framework of an international tournament to be held in Paris, the Uzbekistan Kurash Federation will provide Yaktaks to the African Kurash Union in accordance with the established procedure.
The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation with the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
Thomas Dunker put forward an initiative to organise the first demonstration performances in para-kurash on the African continent.
Ziyoviddin Khodjiniyazov supported this proposal and emphasised that regular information on work in this area should be provided to the IKA headquarters.
The meeting also noted the importance of maintaining a stable international competition calendar and confirming the dates of World Series Pro competitions and the World Championships well in advance to allow sufficient time for participants’ preparation.
At the end of the dialogue, Thomas Dunker emphasised the importance of such open and practical dialogues for the activities of the International Kurash Association, proposed holding regular meetings in this format in the future, and expressed gratitude for the fruitful dialogue.
