Iran opens Zurkhaneh exhibit in New Delhi
Iran has opened a permanent exhibition demonstrating its traditional Zurkhaneh sport in Delhi after India hosted the World Cup of Zurkhaneh and Pahlavani wrestling, part of efforts by the two countries to build on centuries-old cultural ties through sport, IRNA reported on Friday.
The exhibition, titled “Pahlavan Pouria Vali Zurkhaneh Corner”, has opened at Iran’s cultural center in Delhi. It displays traditional equipment including bells, drums, various types of clubs, shields, kabbadeh bows and takht-e shena boards, with explanations of their history and philosophy for international visitors.
Farideddin Farid, Iran’s cultural counsellor in India, said the exhibition was designed to introduce “pure human values rooted in Iranian wisdom and promote traditional rituals and the culture of chivalry and generosity in Iranian-Islamic civilization.”
He said the choice of Pouria Vali, a legendary Iranian champion, highlighted deep cultural links between Iran and India, where traditions of chivalry and heroism also have ancient roots.
The exhibition follows three years of cooperation between Iran’s cultural center and the International Zurkhaneh Sports Federation to promote shared cultural and sporting traditions.
Farid described the World Cup, held in Delhi in January, as a “turning point” in the center’s three-year activities. The three-day event at Jamia Millia Islamia University’s international stadium brought together athletes from nine countries in New Delhi.
Iran’s cultural center acted as the main coordinator and quality supervisor on behalf of the international federation. The event followed a year of efforts to secure Indian government approvals and attract a local sponsor and was described by Iranian officials as a practical step towards establishing Zurkhaneh’s position in India and gaining recognition from India’s Sports Ministry.
Iranian support for the sport’s development in India has included training courses for athletes and coaches, efforts by local representatives to register a national federation, Zurkhaneh events at the cultural center and support for Indian athletes travelling to competitions in Iran.
Farid said the permanent exhibition and the World Cup together showed how Zurkhaneh could serve as a bridge for public diplomacy and cultural interaction between Iran and India.