Göreş is the traditional belt wrestling of Turkmenistan — a powerful and symbolic sport passed down through generations. Its roots stretch back thousands of years, where even women were once trained in the art of combat, alongside men.
In the past, celebrated wrestlers (palwans) took talented students under their wing, training them with honor and discipline. These students would eventually become masters themselves — keeping the chain of tradition alive.
For centuries, no family celebration or public festival was complete without a Göreş match, where local champions competed not just for prizes, but for eternal glory in folk legends, poems, and songs.
Göreş today
Nowadays, Göreş lives on as a proud part of national identity. It’s a sport of technique, strength, and deep cultural value. Modern competitions follow the rules of the World Göreş Federation, featuring:
- Teams of 3 athletes + 1 coach
- Freestyle matches for men aged 18+
- Weight categories: up to 62 kg, up to 82 kg, and an open (absolute) class
The winner of the absolute category earns the right to compete in the Great Nomad Wrestling Games — a prestigious international event celebrating ancient combat arts.
Want to experience Göreş during a local festival or village tour in Turkmenistan? We can include it in your trip!
Ask us about visits to Nokhur, Geok Tepe, or Balkan province, where this traditional belt wrestling is still practiced today.
Main photo source – Türkmenistanyň Milli Olimpiýa Komiteti Website olympic.tm