Kurash at Asian Games 2026: Central Asia’s Traditional Wrestling Art

Kurash at the Asian Games

Kurash is a traditional belt wrestling art originating in Central Asia — primarily Uzbekistan — with a history spanning more than three thousand years. It joined the Asian Games programme at Bangkok 1998 and has been a regular fixture since, with Uzbekistan dominating the gold medal standings across virtually every edition. The sport is governed by the International Kurash Association, headquartered in Tashkent.

How Kurash Works

Two athletes stand upright and grip each other’s belts or jackets. The objective is to throw the opponent to the ground using only standing techniques — no ground-fighting is permitted. A clean throw onto the back scores ippon (an immediate win). Partial throws score waza-ari (half point). If neither athlete scores a full point, the match goes to decision or additional scoring. The emphasis on upright posture and belt grips distinguishes kurash from judo (which allows collar grips and groundwork) and freestyle wrestling (which allows leg attacks).

Matches last 4 minutes for men and 3 minutes for women. Multiple weight categories are contested for both men and women.

Uzbekistan’s Dominance

Uzbekistan treats kurash as a national sport and a source of cultural identity. The country produces the world’s most technically accomplished kurash athletes and has won the team competition at every Asian Games it has entered. Uzbekistan’s kurash team trains at national facilities in Tashkent under coaches who have spent decades developing the specific skill set the sport requires.

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are the strongest challengers to Uzbekistan in Central Asian competition. Outside Central Asia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have invested in kurash as a supplementary combat sport discipline, with athletes who transition from their wrestling backgrounds.

Key Facts

Official source: United World Wrestling