Under the Presidency’s patronage, Shalwar Wrestling World Championship was held in Kahramanmaraş to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city’s freedom from enemy occupation. Around 300 athletes from 42 countries attended the event organised by the cooperation of World Ethnosport Confederation, Turkish Traditional Sports Branches Federation, and Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality and was housed in Batıkent Sports Hall. Turkiye won the championship as team.
AK Party Kahramanmaraş Parliamentarian Ahmet Özdemir, Kahramanmaraş Governor Vahdettin Özkan, Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Mayor Hayrettin Güngör, Turkiye Federation of Traditional Sport Branches presiden and the Vice President of World Ethnosport Confederation Dr. Hakan Kazancı, and Turkiye Federation of Traditional Sport Branches Shalwar Wrestling and Aba Wrestling Deputy Chairman Şahin Hopur had supported the events with their participation.
“Sarı Fırtına” (The Blonde Hurricane) Became the Chief Wrestler
The championship has been watched by fellow citizens with great interest, and one of Kırkpınar’s chief wrestlers İsmail Balaban, also known as “The Blonde Hurricane” has won the tournament. The viewership were all eyes for the final match, at 90+ kilos, between İsmail Balaban and Ömer Yavuz. İsmail Balaban’s medal and belt has been awarded by Turkiye Federation of Traditional Sport Branches presiden and the Vice President of World Ethnosport Confederation Dr. Hakan Kazancı.
Turkiye Federation of Traditional Sport Branches presiden and the Vice President of World Ethnosport Confederation Dr. Hakan Kazancı, stated that they had watched great matches thoughout the day and said: “When I first came here to watch shalwar wrestling, we have noted that it was a thing for just in this city and the closely surrounding region. Since that day, with the foremost efforts of World Ethnosport Confederation and the support of Turkiye Federation of Traditional Sport Branches, we have come to this day where we had organized a world championship to which around 300 athletes from 42 countries attended. We hope to spread this sport which is native to Kahramanmaraş and a part of our culture and values to the globe.
