International Zurkhaneh Sports Federation’s Official Letter to the Head of 2017 Islamic Games Organizing Committee in Baku , Azerbaijan

Please accept our warmest greetings and salutations  . You are kindly informed that in the information written and published on the official website of Islamic Games :   https://www.baku2017.com/en/sports/zurkhaneh    concerning introduction and presentation of Zurkhaneh Sports & Koshti Pahlevani , it’s been announced and proclaimed that this sport is the national sport of Azerbaijan Republic with  700 years background and history !

As the original and real promoter and supporter of this sport , International Zurkhaneh Sports  & Koshti Pahlevani Federation (IZSF) is duly bound and obliged to protect and safeguard the authenticity , genuineness and historical background of this sport and in this regard deems it necessary to remind you of the following items to kindly correct and amend mentioned subjects and matters as soon as possible .

Zurkhaneh Sports & Koshti Pahlevani is the original and indigenous sport of Iran at simultaneously is an inseparable part of the history and culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its history and background dates back to more than 3000 years ago .

This original and native Iranian sport which used to be performed and exercised during the history throughout the vast territory and land of Iran (Persia). After establishment and commencement of  International Zurkhaneh Sports & Koshti Pahlevani Federation’s activity in 2004 through the effort and endeavor of the Islamic Republic of Iran , nowadays this sport once again has been flourished ,manifested and  finally made known , introduced and developed in 84 countries in all around the world . Well-known and famous Iranian Pahlevan (Hero ) ,Pouria-ye Vali  is one of the greatest Pahlevans and heroes of this ancient sport and considered as a true  example for the fans and enthusiasts of this sport as well . Therefore , systematization and organization of this sport doesn’t refer to the era of this Pahlevan ( Hero) ,  on the contrary  the systematization and making this ancient sport systematic and organized referes to the long history of it with more than 3000 years .

Pahlevani and Zurkhaneh ( heroism ) ritual was officially registered as the cultural heritage and legacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran on November 16^th , 2016  in United Nations , Educational , Scientific & Cultural Organization ( UNESCO)  and its documents now available in Iran .

We are delighted and pleased that with the valuable support and assistance of Dignitaries and High-ranking officials of Ministry of Sport & National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan Republic as well as Organizing Committee of Baku Islamic Games , Zurkhaneh & Koshti Pahlevai Sport competition will take place and be held on May 2017 in Baku as one of the main sports of Islamic Games .

We hereby wish all of the best success and prosperity for the authorities , officials and organizing committee staff of the Islamic Games and express our gratitude and special thanks to you for all  the efforts you have made for the development and promotion of this cultural and worthwhile Iranian sport .

With best regards ,

International Zurkhaneh & Koshti Pahlevani Sports Federation