The Pivotal Role of the Asian Confederation in Expanding Zurkhaneh Sports; Exchange of Strategies at the South Korean Team’s Dinner Hosted by the Ambassador
The South Korean national Zurkhaneh sports team, through its active participation in the 7th Asian Zurkhaneh Sports and Pahlavani Wrestling Championships in Urmia, reaffirmed its strong commitment to developing this sport across the region. This significant participation marks an effective step toward the globalization of Iran’s ancient athletic heritage.
Following the competitions, a dinner reception was hosted by the Honorable Ambassador of South Korea in Tehran, bringing together key figures in the field. Among the attendees was Amir Reza Irom, Senior International Affairs Advisor of the IZSF (International Zurkhaneh Sports Federation), Board Member, and Director of Development at the Asian Confederation of Zurkhaneh Sports and Pahlavani Wrestling (AZSC), who engaged in discussions on future strategies and cooperation.
Mokhtar Khoshpeiman, Head of the Media Committee of the AZSC, highlighted the role of regional institutions, stating:
> “The Asian Confederation (AZSC), as the main driving force, is committed to promoting and facilitating the necessary infrastructure for the growth of Zurkhaneh sports across Asia. Activities such as regular team participation, facilitating host countries, and creating educational frameworks are directly aligned with the Confederation’s strategic goals. We will utilize every capacity of sports diplomacy to introduce and preserve this invaluable Iranian heritage.”
During the meeting, discussions focused on the Confederation’s role in standardizing training, expanding outreach to new countries, and leveraging diplomatic capacities to support athletes. These exchanges underscored the shared determination to transform Zurkhaneh sports into an international athletic discipline rooted in strong Asian foundations.
It is noteworthy that the Asian Confederation of Zurkhaneh Sports and Pahlavani Wrestling (AZSC) began its activities in 2017 in Busan, South Korea, with 28 member countries, and since then, it has successfully utilized available capacities to meaningfully promote and develop this ancient heritage.
