On Saturday, March 19, in the gym of the Institute of Sport and Physical Training, the V National Belt Wrestling Tournament for international students "Kuresh" was held as part of celebrating the International Day of Nowruz. The event was organized by the Department of Student Affairs of the International Education Office, Institute of International Cooperation, Penza State University.

The competition was opened by Gleb Sintsov, PSU Vice-Rector for International Affairs, who greeted all the participants: “Holding this tournament at Penza State University has become a good tradition. I am very glad that you, our students, choose sports and a healthy lifestyle! I congratulate you on the start of the tournament and wish you a fair fight!”

Kuresh, or belt wrestling, is a traditional sport and an integral part of the culture of the Turkic peoples. From time immemorial, not a single national holiday could do without these competitions. In 2016, UNESCO, noting its impact on strengthening relations between nations based on the principles of tolerance, goodwill and solidarity, included Kuresh in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

PSU international students from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan took part in the Kuresh belt wrestling tournament. Young men identified the strongest ones in four weight categories. According to the results of the competition, the places were distributed as follows:

Up to 60 kg:
1st place - Kanybek uulu Iskhak, Kyrgyzstan
2nd place - Talantbek Uuly Emilbek, Kyrgyzstan
3rd place - Ybykeev Atabek, Kyrgyzstan

Up to 70 kg:
1st place - Temirov Erbolot, Kyrgyzstan
2nd place - Sharipov Oybek, Tajikistan
3rd place - Zhamshibek Uulu Zhakypbek, Kyrgyzstan

Up to 80 kg:
1st place - Zakirov Akbar, Tajikistan
2nd place - Tenizbekov Chubak, Kyrgyzstan
3rd place - Vakhobov Elerjon, Tajikistan

Up to 90 kg:
1st place - Altynbek Uulu Bayel, Kyrgyzstan
2nd place - Mirbakoev Mahmudjon, Tajikistan