Iran strengthens International Solidarity through Wrestling with the Sri Lankan Armed Forces

COLOMBO (SRI) - Wrestling, one of the oldest and most revered sports in human history, has been deeply rooted in various cultures worldwide, including Iran. The sport has long served as a symbol of strength, skill, and honor, particularly in civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Iran. In Iran, wrestling holds a special place in both historical and modern contexts, symbolizing bravery and chivalry, and remains a martial art that showcases physical prowess while embodying values such as honor and respect.

Today, wrestling thrives globally in two primary styles: freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Since its inclusion in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the sport has evolved into an international competition, governed by national and international federations to ensure fair play and standardized rules. Wrestling continues to unite athletes worldwide, embodying principles of athleticism and cooperation.

In alignment with the core mission of CISM to foster peace and friendship through sports, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have actively promoted their solidarity initiatives. These initiatives include sharing expertise in traditional Iranian wrestling with CISM member nations.

One of the recent highlights of these efforts was a month-long wrestling training program hosted by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, beginning on August 20, 2024. The program featured three highly experienced Iranian wrestling coaches from the Iranian Armed Forces, sent to Sri Lanka as part of Iran’s ongoing solidarity initiatives within CISM. This training course exemplified the strong commitment of both nations to enhancing sportsmanship and technical skill while promoting peace and friendship through military sports.

The success of this initiative was made possible through the tireless efforts of Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation to CISM, along with his dedicated team, including Colonel Reza Bagheri, Major Iraj Golizadeh, and Lieutenant-Colonel Nasser Hassni, President of the CISM Wrestling Committee. Their unwavering dedication, combined with the passion of the Iranian coaches, has left a lasting impact on the athletes and coaches of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

This remarkable collaboration serves as a testament to Iran's commitment to fostering unity through military sports. It not only strengthens bonds between nations but also highlights the powerful role of sports in promoting international cooperation and peace. We look forward to seeing the continuation of Iran's solidarity efforts within CISM and beyond.

(Source: CSC Wrestling)