NEW DELHI, INDIA — Iran was crowned World Cup Champion at the 5th World Cup of Traditional Zurkhaneh Sports – Pahlavani & Zurkhaneh Wrestling, held in New Delhi, India, on December 22–23, 2022 (1–2 Dey 1401).
The two-day international championship brought together athletes from seven nations, showcasing the strength, skill, discipline, and traditions of Zurkhaneh sports and Pahlavani wrestling on an international stage.
A Celebration of Traditional Zurkhaneh Sports
The championship featured a range of traditional Zurkhaneh individual disciplines, including:
Sang (Stone Shield)
Mil Bazi (Club Swinging)
Charkh Tiz (Fast Spin)
Charkh Chaman (Graceful Spin)
Kabbadeh
The competition also included Team Zurkhaneh Performance, highlighting the synchronized athleticism and traditional ceremonial elements associated with Zurkhaneh.
Alongside these disciplines, athletes competed in Pahlavani Wrestling across five weight categories:
Under 60 kg
Under 70 kg
Under 80 kg
Under 90 kg
Over 90 kg
Seven Nations Take Part, Athletes and teams representing seven countries participated in the championship:
Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, India, Uganda, Belarus, and Tanzania.
The event provided an international platform for athletes to showcase traditional strength sports and the cultural heritage associated with Zurkhaneh and Pahlavani traditions.
Official Team Rankings
According to the official results report, the overall team standings were:
| Position | Country | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Iran | 122 |
| 2nd Place | Iraq | 122 |
| 3rd Place | Azerbaijan | 124 |
| 4th Place | India | 102 |
| 5th Place | Uganda | 100 |
| 6th Place | Belarus | 102 |
| 7th Place | Tanzania | 101 |
Official Team Titles
- World Cup Champion — Iran
- Runner-Up — Iraq
- Third Place — Azerbaijan
Host nation India finished fourth overall.
Iran Takes the Championship Title
Iran emerged as the official World Cup Champion, while Iraq was named Runner-Up and Azerbaijan received the Third Place title.
The championship demonstrated the international participation in traditional Zurkhaneh sports and Pahlavani wrestling, bringing together athletes from Asia, Africa, and Europe in New Delhi.
The 5th World Cup of Traditional Zurkhaneh Sports was not only a sporting competition but also an international celebration of a centuries-old tradition centered on physical strength, discipline, teamwork, and cultural heritage.
