Gushtingiri (Wrestling), as one of the ancient national sports of the Tajiks, occupies a special place in the cultural and social history of the Tajik nation. This sport is not only a means of competition but also a school of courage, fortitude, respect for the opponent and the spirit of patriotism. According to sources on the history of gushtingiri, this traditional sport dates back over five thousand years and has been popular since ancient times, especially during national holidays, especially Navruz.

 

During Tajikistan’s independence, gushtingiri entered a new stage of development. Thanks to the continued attention and support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the leadership of Dushanbe city, favourable conditions were created for the revival, improvement, and presentation of this national sporting heritage on the international stage. As a result, Tajik Gushtingiri received international status in 2022, laying a solid foundation for its further development.

One of the most important events in the modern history of this sport was the 1st World Gushtingiri Championships in Dushanbe. The competition, held from August 28 to 31, 2024, brought together over 200 athletes from 60 countries. This world-class event was the important step in introducing the international community to the sporting culture and national traditions of the Tajiks.

The logical continuation of these initiatives was the second World National Wrestling Championship, organized on August 15-16 in Dushanbe and dedicated to the 35^th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan and Mayor of Dushanbe City, Rustam Emomali, attended the opening ceremony of the championship as a guest of honour and delivered a speech.

 

Athletes from more than 70 countries participated in the competition, with wrestlers competing for the championship title in nine weight categories – six for men and three for women.

The results of the Tajikistan national team’s participation in this major international competition were a source of pride for the country’s people. Tajik wrestlers won a total of 12 medals – five gold, three silver, and four bronze – earning a respectable place in the tournament standings.

Tajikistan’s gold medals were won by Muhammad Salimov in the 65 kg weight category, Abdulloi Orif in the 71 kg weight category, Muhammadsharif Najmiddinov in the 78 kg weight category, Haqnazar Nazarov in the 86 kg weight category, and Komronshoh Ustopiriyon in the 95 kg weight category.

Silver medals were awarded to Umar Sherov in the 71 kg weight category, Qoim Shukronov in the 78 kg weight category, and Sharifjon Nazriev in the over 95 kg weight category.

Bronze medals were won by Yosin Bobokalonov in the 65 kg weight category, Muhhammadiso Rajabov in the 71 kg weight category, Akmal Murodov in the 95 kg weight category, and Shakarmamad Mirmamadov in the over 95 kg weight category.

Thus, World Championship in Dushanbe once again demonstrated that gushtingiri, a Tajik sporting heritage, is steadily gaining popularity not only within the country but also abroad.

According to the championship regulations, the winners received substantial cash prizes: the gold medalist received 20,000 USD, the silver medalist 10,000 USD, and the bronze medalist 5,000 USD.

The success of Tajik wrestlers at the second World Championship is the result of the continuous development of wrestling, the improvement of athletes’ skills, and the creation of favourable opportunities for their participation in international competitions.

Today, gushtingiri has expanded beyond traditional folk competitions and has become important means of presenting Tajik culture, history, and national values on the global stage. Hosting two World Championships in Dushanbe in a short period of time demonstrates that Tajikistan is making confident strides in developing this national sport and popularizing it worldwide.

Tajik wrestlers victories on the international stage not only raise the national flag but also demonstrate respect for the heritage of their ancestors, the spirit of patriotism, and national culture.

The Second World Gushtingiri Wrestling Championship in Dushanbe concluded with a major sporting and cultural event, opening a new chapter in the modern history of the sport thanks to the outstanding results of the Tajik national team.

       

                                                                                   SUE “Tajikairnavigation” Press-Center