The FILA Scientific Commission recently oversaw the signing of an agreement for collaborative coursework, seminars and research of the sport of wrestling between the University of Guilan in Iran and the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece.

The agreement came days after the Greco-Roman World Cup in Tehran, with members of the FILA Scientific Commission flying to Rasht to take part in the discussions.

FILA Scientific Commissioners Dr. Ioannis Barbas (Thrace) and Dr. Bahman Mirzaei (Guilian) initiated the agreements bringing with them departments with a strong history of studying and researching the sport of wrestling. While the agreement is not limited to the study of wrestling, the duo’s influence and passion for wrestling was the driving force behind the agreement.

University of Guilan Chancellor, Dr. Ahmad Razi and Department Head Dr. Hamid Mohebbi accepted the document which had been previously signed by university officials in Greece.

Both Barbas and Mirzai are hoping to create a project to study the development of wrestling education programs for the next generation of wrestlers. The FILA Scientific Commission had previously stated its desire to work for more cooperation between international universities in the study of wrestling. The commission is hopeful that the agreement in Rasht will become the model for future partnerships.

Additionally, during the visit to Guilan University, Scientific Commission members Harold Tünnemann and David Curby presented to an audience of over 400 students and faculty of the physical education and sport science department.