Iran's Gheitasi wins gold in mas-wrestling at 2026 World Nomad Games
Iranian strongman Reza Gheitasi won gold in mas-wrestling at the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, securing the first title for the Iranian delegation at the event.
Gheitasi emerged victorious in the men’s competition after progressing through the rounds and winning the final on Wednesday. His gold came after Iran had collected one silver and one bronze medal on the opening day of competition.
Mas-wrestling, known traditionally as Mas Tartysh (Mas-wrestling), is a strength contest originating in the Sakha, or Yakut, tradition. Two athletes sit facing each other with their feet braced against a board and compete by pulling on opposite ends of a short wooden stick. The aim is to pull the opponent across the board or take the stick away.
Mas-wrestling is among the traditional sports featured at the 2026 World Nomad Games. The competition is being held in Kyrgyzstan from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. The opening ceremony took place in Bishkek and competitions held in the Issyk-Kul region.
Athletes from 104 countries are taking part in the sixth edition of the Games.
Gheitasi also represented Iran at the 2024 World Nomad Games in Kazakhstan. Gheitasi finished second in the strongman competition there, behind Kazakhstan's representative. The event included a series of traditional strength challenges, including stone lifting, log squats and towing a weighted trolley.
2.08-meters tall strongman's role at this year's Games began before the competition itself. Gheitasi served as Iran's flag bearer at the opening ceremony in Bishkek, leading the Iranian delegation during the athletes' parade.
Iran entered the sixth World Nomad Games with a delegation of about 130 people. The team is competing under the name “Martyred Leader” and the slogan “Unity, Strength and Victory.”
The World Nomad Games were launched in 2014 in Kyrgyzstan. The event is dedicated to traditional sports and cultural heritage associated with nomadic peoples. The sixth edition has brought the Games back to their country of origin after the 2022 edition in Turkey and the 2024 edition in Kazakhstan.
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Iran's Gheitasi wins gold in mas-wrestling at 2026 World Nomad Games
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