Two Afghan athletes secured bronze in the freestyle category at the 23rd World Rostami Wrestling Championships in Fujairah, marking another step forward for Afghanistan’s emerging combat-sports talent.
UAE | By Sara Amiri
Afghanistan earned two bronze medals at the 23rd World Rostami Wrestling Championships on Friday, strengthening the country’s international presence in one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing traditional combat sports.
Competing in the freestyle division, Mirois Ebrahimi and Karimullah Alizai advanced through the early rounds with decisive victories. Ebrahimi defeated opponents from the Maldives and Iran, while Alizai overcame wrestlers from Hong Kong and India. Both athletes fell short against their Tajikistan rivals in the semifinals but secured bronze through the repechage round.
The championships, hosted in the UAE city of Fujairah, bring together competitors from 35 countries, reflecting the rapid globalisation of Rostami wrestling and its expanding profile beyond its traditional cultural roots. This year’s event features both freestyle and classic divisions and will run until December 8.
Sport analysts say Afghanistan’s performance is significant because the country has increasingly used traditional and hybrid combat sports as a platform to remain competitive internationally despite limited domestic resources.
“These results matter,” said a Kabul based sports observer, Khalid Hotak. “Afghanistan is proving again that even with minimal infrastructure, its athletes can compete with well-resourced nations across Asia.”
For Afghan fans, the medals provide a moment of pride at a time when international sporting opportunities for the country remain unpredictable. Rostami wrestling, which blends traditional Central Asian techniques with modern competitive rules, has steadily gained popularity among Afghan athletes who seek international exposure through alternative disciplines beyond Olympic wrestling.
The victories by Ebrahimi and Alizai reflect the country’s growing depth in combat sports and come at a time when Afghan athletes are looking to secure more consistent participation in regional and global competitions.
Rostami wrestling has rapidly evolved from a regional tradition into an organised international sport with structured championships and federation oversight. Afghanistan has participated in multiple editions, gradually improving its results. The UAE’s hosting of the 23rd edition underscores the region’s increasing investment in niche martial arts, providing platforms for athletes from conflict-affected nations to compete at a high level.