History
Shalwar wrestling was first seen among the Tuva Turks and is considered the oldest among traditional wrestling styles. In this respect, shalwar wrestling is based on ancient and deep-rooted traditions and history. It is believed that shalwar wrestling was brought to Anatolia by the Turkmens. This wrestling is organized in Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Kahramanmaraş in Turkey. Additionally, elements similar to shalwar wrestling are seen in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Shalwar wrestling takes its name from its distinctive clothing, rooted in pre-Islamic Turkish tradition. It is performed in a shorts-length garment above the kneecap, woven strongly from goat hair.
Rules
In shalwar wrestling, all matches are performed standing. For a wrestler to be declared victorious, they must bring their opponent's back to the ground, similar to oil wrestling and black lap wrestling. Additionally, the victorious wrestler does not remove his shalwar until he defeats two of the defeated wrestler's fans. Shalwar wrestling can be conducted on various surfaces, including pastures, grass, threshing floors, soft sifted sand, paddy husk laid on the ground, and even snow. The categories in shalwar wrestling are organized based on head, weight, and height into five classes. Shalwar wrestling categories are made according to weights of 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 80 kg and over 80 kg.
