News / Sports

Dozen top teams to compete in 2018 Takhti wrestling tournament

Tuesday, 23 January 2018 9:06 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 09 March 2018 3:25 AM ]

The 38th edition of International Senior Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ will be held between January 25 and 26, 2018 in the southwestern Iranian port city of Bandar-e Mahshahr.

President of Khuzestan Wrestling Association, Seyyed Hossein Marashian, says a total of twelve professional teams will participate in the 38^th edition of International Senior Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ later this month, which will be held in honor of late legendary Iranian freestyle wrestler Gholam Reza Takhti, who passed away half a century ago.

Marashian said on Monday that wrestling teams from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Cuba, Finland, Georgia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkey and Ukraine will compete in the forthcoming tournament.

The Iranian sports official added that three Iranian teams, comprising of 30 wrestlers, will take part in the event.

The 38^th edition of International Senior Greco-Roman Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ will be held between January 25 and 26, 2018 in the southwestern Iranian port city of Bandar-e Mahshahr.

Takhti, the most famous wrestler in the Iranian history, died on January 7, 1968. The Iranian nation was stricken with deep grief, when the news of Takhti's death broke. Seven people reportedly even committed suicide because of unutterable sadness.

The legend was known for his chivalry and sportsmanship and continues to symbolize the essence of sports to the Iranian people.

Takhti claimed the gold medal in Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games, overcoming Boris Kulayev from the Soviet Union in the final contest of the 87-kilogram weight section.

He also claimed two Olympic silver medals in 1952 Helsinki and 1960 Rome.

Takhti won two World Championships gold medals in 1959 Tehran and 1961 Yokohama as well.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Wrestling Federation hosts an international wrestling tournament in memory of the renowned wrestler every year.

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