Kurash wrestlers participated in the 2023 Asian Senior Kurash Championship and World Kurash Series Qualifier in April at the Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang. The event was held in the build-up to the Asian Games, set for September 23 to October 8, 2023. 

Having originated in Uzbekistan some 3,500 years ago, Kurash is an upright wrestling sport that remains a key part of Central Asian culture. The objective is to throw the other wrestler to the ground. Points are awarded for each successful throw and if the opponent lands on their back, victory is declared.   

Kurash first appeared at the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018. At the upcoming Asian Games, Kurash contests will take place alongside judo and jujitsu martial arts. 

Kurash wrestlers attempt to throw each other to the floor at the Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, April 28, 2023. /CFP