The inaugural “Grand Pahlevan Danalak” wrestling tournament concluded at the central hall of the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports in Kabul. Organised under the auspices of the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation, the event featured 18 top Afghan wrestlers alongside two guest competitors from Pakistan.
Kabul 24: The championship was conducted in an elimination format across eight weight categories, producing 10 high-stakes bouts highlighted by a standout performance from Afghanistan’s 25-year-old national team representative in the main event.
In the tournament’s headline bout at 79 kg, Zaid Salehi, a 25-year-old national team veteran, faced off against prominent Pakistani wrestler Muhammad Zubair Butt. Salehi delivered a dominant performance, defeating his opponent by pinfall to cement his status as the star of the competition.
This victory further enriches Salehi’s impressive career record, which already boasts 33 wins out of 34 matches, two national championship titles in the 70 kg and 74 kg categories, and five regional titles.
In the second cross-border matchup at 86 kg, Idris Hofiani put on a tactical display to defeat Pakistan’s Muhammad Hamza Butt 8–2, securing a sweep for Afghan wrestlers in both international encounters.
The remaining weight divisions also featured intense action:
57 kg:Mohammad Ramez Ahmadi defeated Waleed Khanzada 13–4.
65 kg: Morteza Ayoubi Kohbandi shut out Jawad Amani 8–0.
74 kg: Mohammad Hadi Hamidi earned a 9–6 victory over Mashal Sadeq, while Romal Rajabi prevailed 13–8 in a high-scoring clash against Mirwais Ahmadi.
63 kg: Syed Omar Zazi swept Syed Jafar Hussaini 9–0.
79 kg:Abdullah Sahak edged Abdullah Ahmadzada in a tight 3–2 contest.
70 kg: Ali Sina Masoumi defeated Shams Quraishi 11–8.
61 kg: The closely contested bout between Masiullah Nazari and Basit Ahmadi ended in a 4–4 draw, with Nazari awarded the win criteria via scoring the final point.
