Historic first CISM World Military Kurash Challenge successfully concludes in Tashkent
TASHKENT (UZB) – The 1st CISM World Military Kurash Challenge successfully concluded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, following six days of sporting competition, international exchange and cultural activities from 10 to 15 September 2026. The inaugural Challenge marked an important milestone for the International Military Sports Council (CISM), bringing Kurash, the traditional Uzbek martial art, into the international military sports arena for the first time.
Hosted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in close cooperation with the International Kurash Association (IKA) and the national sporting authorities, the event brought together military athletes from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Poland, Syria, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and host nation Uzbekistan.
Competition featured both men's and women's categories, with eight men's and five women's weight divisions. The sporting programme was held over two competition days, followed by a cultural programme that offered the delegations another opportunity to discover Uzbekistan and strengthen the bonds established during the event.
Kurash is deeply rooted in the history and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Its traditions emphasize respect, nobility and fair play – values that closely correspond with the fundamental principles of military sport and the CISM philosophy.
In his official message to the participating delegations, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Lieutenant General Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, highlighted Kurash as one of the most ancient forms of martial arts and stressed its principles of respect, nobility and fair play. He also underlined the role of the competition in strengthening mutual understanding and trust among the Armed Forces of different countries, in accordance with CISM's motto, “Friendship Through Sport.”
The successful organization of this inaugural Challenge once again demonstrated the important contribution of the Uzbek Armed Forces as an active and committed member of the CISM family. The participating missions were hosted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, while the competition took place at the Olympic City sports complex in Tashkent.
The professionalism and hospitality of the Uzbek hosts were evident throughout the event, creating an atmosphere in which high-level sporting competition was combined with friendship and exchanges between military personnel from different countries and cultures.
The CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia attended the event and conveyed greetings from the CISM President. He expressed CISM's appreciation to Uzbekistan for its hospitality and outstanding organization, emphasizing that the introduction of Kurash into the CISM sports family represented an important new chapter for military sport.
The CISM Secretary General also highlighted the close connection between the fundamental values of Kurash – respect, discipline, honour and fair play – and CISM's mission of using sport to promote friendship, mutual understanding, solidarity and peace among Armed Forces.
The opening ceremony brought together senior political, military and sporting personalities, including the Ministers of Sport of Uzbekistan and Iran, senior military and government officials, representatives of the International Kurash Association and distinguished international athletes.
During the event, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia also held meetings with the Sports Ministers of Uzbekistan and Iran. These exchanges provided opportunities to discuss further cooperation between CISM and national sports institutions, as well as the broader development of military and national sport, once again demonstrating how sport can serve as a bridge between Armed Forces, institutions and nations.
On the tatami, the host nation delivered an outstanding performance, with Uzbekistan winning all eight men's gold medals. Kamoliddin Bakhtiyorov opened the Uzbek gold-medal run at -60 kg, ahead of Kazakhstan's Sunggat Nurlatuly, while Dilshod Baratov took the -66 kg title ahead of Iran's Amir Mohammad Talebi. Zamahshariy Bekmurodov prevailed at -73 kg, with Syria's Omar Al Shehada taking silver, while Akxror Ziyodullaev won the -81 kg category ahead of Kazakhstan's Madi Amangeldi.
Uzbekistan's dominance continued in the heavier categories. Samandar Sadinov won gold at -90 kg, Jaxongir Mamatrakhimov claimed the -100 kg title, Muxammadkarim Khurramov prevailed at -120 kg and Bekmurod Oltiboev completed the host nation's sweep with victory in the +120 kg category.
Despite Uzbekistan's remarkable dominance at the top of the men's podium, the results highlighted the international character and competitive quality of the Challenge. Athletes from Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Korea and Poland also reached medal positions across the men's categories.
The women's competition produced a more internationally distributed group of champions. Uzbekistan's Sitora Elmurodova captured the -52 kg title, while compatriot Hilola Ortikboyeva won gold at -57 kg. At -63 kg, Arleta Jagna Podolak of Poland secured gold ahead of Kazakhstan's Bakyt Kussakbayeva, with Uzbekistan's Sevinch Isokova and Iran's Zahra Jafarian sharing third place.
Mukhlisa Turdieva of Uzbekistan won the -70 kg competition ahead of Poland's Karolina Katarzyna Miller, while Iran's Maedeh Vafaei and Kazakhstan's Korkem Orybek completed the podium. Kazakhstan's Tolkyn Tursynakynova took the +70 kg title ahead of Uzbekistan's Mokhlaroyim Tukhtamisheva, with Iran's Zahra Bagheri taking bronze.
The women's gold medals were therefore shared between Uzbekistan, Poland and Kazakhstan, further illustrating the international dimension of the inaugural competition.
The success of the Challenge was also made possible through the close cooperation between the CISM Secretariat, the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, the International Kurash Association and the national sporting authorities. The competition was conducted in accordance with CISM regulations together with the applicable IKA rules, using an individual knockout format for both men and women.
This cooperation provides an important foundation for the future development of Military Kurash, creating new competitive opportunities for military athletes while preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of this traditional discipline.
Beyond the sporting results, one of the most memorable aspects of the Challenge was the hospitality extended by the Uzbek hosts. The participating delegations were welcomed not only as sporting competitors, but as members of the international military sports community. Cultural activities and opportunities to experience Uzbekistan's rich heritage gave the event a distinctive atmosphere and reinforced the values at the heart of CISM.
On the tatami, athletes competed with determination and ambition. Away from competition, they shared experiences, cultures and friendships, demonstrating once again the meaning of “Friendship Through Sport.”
At the closing ceremony, the Uzbek Deputy Minister of Defense expressed his satisfaction with the successful organization of the first World Military Kurash Challenge and praised the discipline, determination, mutual respect and sporting spirit demonstrated by the participating athletes. He emphasized that the participants should leave Uzbekistan not simply as competitors, but as friends and comrades-in-arms, carrying with them positive memories of the country and the event.
CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia similarly expressed his appreciation to Uzbekistan for its outstanding hospitality, organization and commitment. He thanked the athletes, referees, officials, the International Kurash Association, the national federation, organizers, volunteers and all those whose efforts contributed to the success of this historic first edition.
The 1st CISM World Military Kurash Challenge has established a strong foundation for the future. It demonstrated that Kurash possesses a powerful sporting tradition, a clear cultural identity, strong technical potential and values fully compatible with the CISM philosophy.
For Uzbekistan, the Challenge was an opportunity to share an important element of its national sporting heritage with the CISM family. For the International Kurash Association, it represented another step in the international development of the discipline. For CISM, it opened a new sporting chapter based on respect, discipline, fair play, solidarity and friendship.
From the historic traditions of Central Asia to the international military sports stage, Kurash has now made its CISM debut. Tashkent 2026 opened a new chapter and laid a strong foundation for the future development of Military Kurash within CISM.
Above all, through every contest, every handshake and every friendship created during the event, the fundamental CISM message was once again demonstrated: Friendship Through Sport.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Uzbek Delegation to CISM)
