According to a Wednesday report from the federation, located in Tehran, the head of the International Pahlavani Wrestling Federation Ali-Reza Heydari agreed to add the sport to the World Nomad Games.

Pahlavani wrestling, along with Pankration, Belt wrestling, grappling, and African wrestling, is one of the Associated Styles that is recognized by the United World Wrestling.

Pahlavani wrestling dates back to ancient Iran. It was originally used to train warriors. This Iranian style of wrestling features two competitors trying to throw the opponent to his back.

Pahlavani wrestlers wear pants which extend from their waist to below the knees and a belt that can be grabbed and used with trips and holds to lift and throw an opponent.


The World Nomad Games is the international sports competitions in ethnic sports, which was based on the folk games of the nomadic peoples of Eurasia. 

Through strengthening of cultural ties between the participating countries, the games try to preserve, revive and introduce the culture of the nomadic peoples to others.