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TEHRAN \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Tuesday during the unveiling of a new book on wrestling, the minister emphasized the sport\u2019s importance as a symbol of Iranian identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWrestling is more than a sport. It is part of our culture and identity, with roots deeply tied to the geography of this land,\u201d Salehi-Amiri said, highlighting the need for steps to be taken to ensure the traditional sport is officially recognized at a national level.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The official also noted that the infrastructure supporting wrestling surpasses that of other sports in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an exciting development, and I feel a renewed sense of energy,\u201d Salehi-Amiri added.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
While regional variations differ from one province to another. Olympic freestyle wrestling is often referred to as the \u201cfirst sport\u201d practiced in Iran.<\/p>\n
AM \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n