News / Sports

Iran crowned at 2018 senior freestyle Takhti wrestling tournament

Saturday, 10 February 2018 8:18 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 09 March 2018 3:05 AM ]

Members of the Iran men’s freestyle wrestling team pose for a group photograph after finishing first at the 38th edition of International Senior Freestyle Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, on February 9, 2018.

The Iran men’s freestyle wrestling team has featured awe-inspiring performances at the 38^th edition of International Senior Freestyle Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ to be crowned the champion of the prestigious international sports event.

The Iranian wrestlers earned 16 medals (four golds, five silvers and seven bronzes) and 200 points to win the top honor. Athletes from Turkey notched 143 points to rank second, and were followed by Georgians who racked up 84 points.

The 38^th edition of International Senior Freestyle Wrestling Tournament ‘Takhti Cup’ opened at the indoor Shahid Poursharifi Arena in the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz on February 8, 2018, and finished the following day.

The event reportedly attracted 160 wrestlers from sixteen countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Ukraine. The contestants competed in 10 different weight classes.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Wrestling Federation hosts international wrestling tournaments in memory of late legendary Iranian freestyle wrestler Gholam Reza Takhti, every year.

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.

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.

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