Officially!
Colombo, Sri Lanka – May 25, 2025. On this historic day for Kurash, one of the world’s largest sports organizations, the International Military Sports Council (CISM), officially recognized Kurash as a sport in its calendar. This important decision was made at the CISM General Assembly, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from May 17 to 25, 2025.
Founded in 1948 and Headquartered in Belgium, CISM is an influential International Organization that brings together 140 Member States and promotes peace and friendship among military forces through sport.
This achievement is the result of consistent efforts, negotiations, and cooperation between the International Kurash Association (IKA), Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Uzbekistan Kurash Federation.
The presentation on Kurash, prepared by IKA Technical Director Mr. Ravi Kapoor at the General Assembly, was received with great interest by the CISM leadership. As a result, Kurash was included in the CISM calendar.
The first official Kurash competition within the CISM framework, the Kurash Challenge Cup, will be held in Uzbekistan on September 5-6, 2026. It is important to note that the final day of the competition, September 6, coincides with World Kurash Day.
The President of the International Kurash Association, Haider Farman, expressed his gratitude to the General Secretary of the IKA, Mr. Reza Nassiri, who actively participated in this important process and promoted the initiative, as well as to the CISM leadership, the Minister of the Sport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Uzbekistan Kurash Federation.
“This is a proud and joyful day for the World Kurash Family. Kurash is not just a sport—it is a spiritual heritage that symbolizes peace and honor. Its inclusion in the CISM sports program marks a new high point in the International Arena, especially among military athletes,” the IKA President said in his letter.
The official inclusion of Kurash in the CISM framework marks a new stage in its International development. This opens up great opportunities not only for athletes but also for national federations and millions of fans. Now Kurash will serve not only as a sport, but also as a bridge of friendship between different peoples, cultures, and armies. The world eagerly awaits its official debut in 2026, which will mark a new page in the glorious history of Kurash, based on discipline, tradition, and global unity.
