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Zurkhaneh Known By the Name of Mujdar in India
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By the late nineteenth century, Indian subcontinent was located within the Iranian culture and civilization, and the Persian writing was its official transcription. As a field of Iranian culture, Zurkhaneh sport has had a sustained presence in India.
Hans Raj Singh, President of Indian Zurkhaneh Sports Federation, says: Indian people are relatively familiar with the Zurkhaneh sport and it is common across India. Of course by the name of “Malcom” or “Mujdar”, not Zurkhaneh.
In the following, the interview of “Zurkhaneh Review” with Hans Raj Singh is presented.
How many years are the Zurkhaneh sports common in India?
This sport has been performed in India since 1930. From several years ago, most people in Indian villages perform some sports of Zurkhaneh such as Kabbadeh, wrestling, etc. But the difference is that in India, the sport has not the same order and form in Iran.
In which Indian cities, the Zurkhaneh sports are most prevalent?
This sport is performed in many of our cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, Marasta and so on. All Indian people are more or less familiar with this sport and this sport is popular in every region of India, but it is “Malcom” or “Mujdar”, not Zurkhaneh.
Is the Indian Zurkhaneh sports federation working independently or under the supervision of another federation?
We have registered the federation as an independent. Our relationships with the International Olympic committee and the Indian government bodies are directly conducted.
Do you have any regular national competitions or league for Zurkhaneh Sports?
Due to some financial problems, we have not succeeded to regularly hold the national competitions. However, we are trying to achieve this goal by attracting sponsorship.
Then, how can you select the Indian Zurkaneh national team for the global and international championships?
Since 2006, we began seriously to hold the Zurkhaneh sports programs, and thereafter we are performing the sports rhythmic along with special exercises. We have been successful to gain medals in individual competitions, rather than in team level. For example, we gained gold medals for Pahlavani Koshti, kabbadeh, Meel, and so on. Among the athletes, we chose the best ones to attend at the international competitions.
Do you have training camps or regular exercise classes for Zurkhaneh sports?
There is no place named Zurkhaneh in India. We can practice at sport clubs, and sport halls in schools and universities. Preparation programs for competitions must start at least one month before the events by inviting the top athletes.
How do you investigate the India’s status in the 3rd Asian championships?
Despite all limitations, we have a good team and we could get medals in Meelgiri, and Chrakh Tiz. In team level, considering the short preparation period, we have also achieved an acceptable score. In our previous tournaments in Konya(Turkey) and Tajikistan, we won a couple of medals.
How do you see the future of Zurkhaneh sports in India?
This sport has promising future in India. India is a country where the sports have good future. However, to develop the Zurkhaneh sports, we need help and support from the international, as well as Iranian federations. To promote this sport, we need some special tools, music and other requirements that should be delivered by the international federation. Furthermore, we need courses and training programs under the supervision of skilled instructors. Indian Zurkhaneh sports federation asks IZSF to provide instruments necessary for regular practices. If this happens, we will see, as I said previously, more development of Zurkheneh sports than before, because of Indians’ familiarity with Zurkhaneh sports and services .
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