TEHRAN – The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has called for the national registration of traditional Iranian wrestling, citing its deep cultural and historical significance.

Speaking on Tuesday during the unveiling of a new book on wrestling, the minister emphasized the sport’s importance as a symbol of Iranian identity.

“Wrestling is more than a sport. It is part of our culture and identity, with roots deeply tied to the geography of this land,” Salehi-Amiri said, highlighting the need for steps to be taken to ensure the traditional sport is officially recognized at a national level.

At the event, which was attended by athletes and veterans of Iranian wrestling, Salehi-Amiri praised the establishment of a dedicated think tank for wrestling and the construction of a museum specifically for the sport, stating it was the first time such a facility had been built at the level of a formal museum.

The official also noted that the infrastructure supporting wrestling surpasses that of other sports in the country.

“This is an exciting development, and I feel a renewed sense of energy,” Salehi-Amiri added.

Iranian wrestling or Koshti is a martial art and combat sport that has been practiced since ancient times in Iran. A form today is koshti pahlavani practiced in the zurkhaneh.

While regional variations differ from one province to another. Olympic freestyle wrestling is often referred to as the “first sport” practiced in Iran.

AM