The 8-th Islam Karimov International Kurash Tournament was organized by the British Kurash Association (BKA) and the European Kurash Confederation (EKC) with the support of the International Kurash Association (IKA) in the town of Sittingbourne (UK) on June 20. The event was attended by a delegation of Uzbekistan with IKA chief executives and more than 60 kurash wrestlers.
Opening the tournament, Tim Thomas and Komil Yusupov, presidents of BKA and IKA respectively, welcomed participants of the tournament, noting that year by year Kurash is becoming more popular among youth in the UK and other countries. They stressed that the IKA, founded in 1998, today unites the fans of Kurash in 110 countries worldwide. The Association includes five Continental Kurash Federations (Asia, Africa, Pan America, Europe and Oceania) and more than 100 national federations. Attention was drawn to the words of Honorary President of the IKA, the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov: «Kurash incorporates features close to the spirit and character of the Uzbek people, namely courage, bravery, spiritual generosity, fairness and humanism». Mr Thomas stated that Kurash is one of the most ancient types of fight, which originated in the territory of modern Uzbekistan. At the same time Kurash is one of the youngest and fast growing international types of sport.
In his speech Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oatbek Akbarov noted that such competitions will help to promote Kurash as a unique form of the eastern sport in the UK and Europe, as well as to develop «public diplomacy», friendship and mutual understanding.
The competition, which involved young kurash wrestlers from 7 to 35 years and older, was organized at a high level. British athletes were on a par with experienced competitors from Uzbekistan. Along with the Uzbek athletes, British kurashists received several prizes at different weight categories.
The winner of the Tournament among juniors at 30 kg weight category Howes Zac (9 years) said in an interview: «I really like Kurash, there are lots of brightness, speed, agility and strength. I got a gold medal, and I'm happy that I could perform so in this tournament».
Bronze medal winner at 42 kg weight category Jack Sproston (13 years): «I chose Kurash because it differs from other sports, I like the methods of fighting with opponents that do not exist in other types of similar sports, such as Judo. This is really interesting sport. The atmosphere of the event is very good here, we are all very happy». Phoebe Sproston (7 years), who received 2nd place among girls under 30 kg, also expressed her delight on Kurash and the tournament.
Jack Webb, who took 1st place among youth under 66 kg: «I was looking forward to participate in this tournament which was organized by the British Kurash Association. Athletes from Uzbekistan are very strong and powerful. But I got a gold medal and very happy. I think this is the result of my training and practice on Kurash for the past 10 years».
Nicholas Daley, third place at the category under 90 kg: «I am very glad to participate in this tournament with such strong competitors as Sherali Juraev, world champion. I met new people and made friends here, these are very interesting. I myself have been going in for Kurash for more than 10 years. And now I'm very pleased. Thank you».
President of the BKA Mr Thomas said in an interview to the Embassy: «As president of British Kurash Association, I welcome you all in the town of Sittingbourne at the 8th Islam Karimov International Kurash Tournament. It was a very successful tournament attended by athletes of high-level and we witnessed remarkable fights. This suggests that Kurash has very good standards and is rapidly developing in the UK now. Having this opportunity, we wish happiness to all our friends in Uzbekistan, particularly to the International Kurash Association and the National Kurash Federation. I hope that we will meet again here for the next Islam Karimov tournament in future. We wish all the best. Thank you very much».
