MASHHAD, Iran (January 3) – The Iranian Wrestling Federation in cooperation with the World Pahlavani Wrestling Committee and United World Wrestling held the Iranian national championships for Pahlavani wrestling.

Pahlavani wrestling is a recognized associated wrestling style of United World Wrestling and competitions within Iran dating back several centuries.

The competition was broadcast nationwide on TV and radio also drawing more than 3500 fans to the night’s final. The Khorasan Province where the competition was held is known as the birthplace of traditional wrestling in Iran, including the popular Chookheh style.

The event included Cadet, Junior and Senior divisions, with defending champions Jaber SEDEGHAZI winning his second consecutive title.

Olympic champion Alireza HEIDARI, who heads the Pahlavani Wrestling Committee and sits on the United World Wrestling commission for the associated styles, was in attendance. He was joined by Dr. Masoud Soltanifar, Minister of Youth and Sport of Iran and Mr. Kiomars HASHEMI President of the Iranian Olympic Committee.