History

Pahlavani wrestling belongs to Iran as a traditional and ritualistic martial art. Originally, it relates to the time of Ancient Persia. The roots of the sport are intertwined with the heroic stories told in the Shahnameh kind of Iranian national epic which describe legendary heroes such as Rustam, a champion from Persian folklore. Traditionally, Pahlavani wrestling was done to train warriors in combat, physical strength, and spiritual discipline. This combination of physical strength with moral virtues produced a holistic regime of training highly regarded in Persian culture.

In due course, Pahlavani evolved into something more than a way to prepare for battle. Inspired by Islamic teachings and Sufi philosophy, it inculcated ethical and spiritual dimensions such as humility, generosity, and purity of heart. Traditionally, the sessions of Pahlavani wrestling have been held in Zurkhaneh-sacred spaces where athletes would perform under the guidance of a Morshed, or master, who imparts moral and spiritual lessons. It is this integration of physical and spiritual practices that makes Pahlavani not only a sport but a way of living-a representation of the ideal of heroism and chivalry.

Rules

The rules of Pahlavani wrestling are designed to blend tradition with modern competitive standards. Competitions take place on mats, and wrestlers aged 18 or older are required to wear specific Pahlavani pants. Scoring is similar to freestyle wrestling, with the unique stipulation that a wrestler in a bridging position loses by fall. Techniques from freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling are allowed, including the use of the pants’ waist and knee areas for holds, but moves placing the attacker in a bridge before the opponent are prohibited. Coaches may challenge referee decisions, and defending wrestlers fleeing holds may be penalized, with three cautions resulting in disqualification. Matches end when time expires, a fall or 10-point superiority is achieved, a wrestler is injured, or disqualification occurs. Disqualification may also result from ignoring referee decisions, failing to appear, refusing to continue, or engaging in unfair behavior.