Congress Backs Umarov for Kurash Association Presidency
Delegates at the 22nd Congress in Astana unanimously supported Otabek Umarov's nomination, and twelve national federations were admitted.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Wrestling
Delegates at the 22nd Congress of the International Kurash Association in Astana unanimously supported the nomination of Otabek Umarov for association president. Twelve national federations, including those of Kazakhstan, France, Italy and Australia, were also admitted to the association.
Why it matters
The vote signals continuity in leadership for the international governing body of kurash, a traditional Uzbek wrestling discipline. Admitting twelve new federations expands the sport's international footprint across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The congress admitted twelve national federations, bringing new members from several continents into the association. The formal election of a new president is not due until 2027, leaving the nomination subject to that later vote.
The players
Otabek Umarov
First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan's National Olympic Committee, nominated for president of the International Kurash Association.
International Kurash Association
The international governing body for kurash, a traditional wrestling discipline originating in Uzbekistan.
The details
Delegates reviewed the association's activities for 2025-2026 and discussed amendments to competition rules, refereeing system development and the international athlete ranking. The Uzbek delegation, which included representatives of the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee, backed Otabek Umarov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan's National Olympic Committee.
Timeline
2025-2026: Association activities reviewed at the 22nd Congress.
2027: Election of the new association president scheduled.
Season Trajectory
The admission of twelve federations extends the International Kurash Association's push to build a broader international competitive field beyond its Central Asian base. The nomination of an existing national Olympic committee official suggests institutional continuity as the association prepares for its 2027 leadership vote.
The twelve newly admitted federations gain formal membership and eligibility to take part in association-sanctioned competition. Athletes in those countries can now be ranked in the international athlete ranking discussed at the congress.
The takeaway
Leadership continuity and rapid membership growth are the two signals to watch as the International Kurash Association moves toward its 2027 presidential election. Readers following the sport can track how the new federations integrate into official competition.
What happens next
The election of the new International Kurash Association president is scheduled for 2027.
Further reading
For more on the sport's governing structure, see our Wrestling coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UzDaily.
