The International Festival of Traditional Wrestling, hosted by Afghanistan, came to a successful close after three days of intense competition among athletes from seven countries.
Kabul 24: The event concluded with the host nation, Afghanistan, securing the championship title in the prestigious Rostami wrestling style.The competitions kicked off on Thursday of last week (April 23, 2026) in Kabul and featured participants from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
A total of 160 athletes took part, including approximately 60 foreign competitors and 100 domestic wrestlers, who battled in three main disciplines: Kurash, Rostami wrestling, and Gushtin-giri (belt wrestling) across various weight categories.On the first day, the focus was on Kurash competitions.
The Uzbek team delivered a strong performance to claim the championship, followed by Tajikistan in second place and Afghanistan in third.
The second day belonged to Rostami wrestling, where Afghan athletes shone brightly. With impressive techniques, determination, and the highest number of medals, the home team clinched the championship title in this traditional style.
Uzbekistan finished second, while Tajikistan placed third.On the final day, Gushtin-giri (belt wrestling) took center stage. The Tajik team emerged victorious to take first place, with Uzbekistan as runners-up and Afghanistan securing third position.
The competitions were held in multiple weight divisions, showcasing high-level skills and sportsmanship from all participating nations. At the closing ceremony, top athletes were honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of appreciation, and cash prizes.
This festival served not only as a platform to highlight Afghanistan’s rich wrestling heritage but also as a bridge for cultural and sporting exchange among regional countries. Officials described the event as a major step forward in promoting traditional sports in Afghanistan and strengthening ties with neighboring nations.
Both participants and spectators expressed satisfaction with the high standard of organization and warm hospitality shown by the hosts.
The successful hosting of this international festival in Kabul has raised hopes for larger sporting events in the future and demonstrated the growing potential of Afghan sports on the regional stage.
