Navruz in Tajikistan is not just music, treats, and public festivities. It is a time when wrestlers take to the arena, and the strongest in the country is determined. On March 22 in Dushanbe, the main Navruz tournament in gustingiri once again gathered the best wrestlers, and the final turned into a true climax of the celebration. The winner was Subkhiddin Khalilzoda from Rogun, who not only won the main bout but also went home in a new car.
From early morning, the territory of “Navruzgoh” in Dushanbe began to fill with people. Some came with families, others with groups of friends, but they all shared one goal: to see the wrestling. Gustingiri during Navruz is more than just a sport. It is a tradition, a spectacle, and a kind of people’s court, where strength and skill leave no room for chance.
On the mat are the best wrestlers in the country. There were no random names here: the Majidov brothers, Haknazar Nazarov, Mullorajab Khalifaev, Sharifjon Nazriev, Mansur Rahmonov, Shodmon Rizoiev, and of course, Subkhiddin Khalilzoda. Each of them came not just to participate — they came for victory.
The matches went one after another. The tournament format was strict: victory was counted only for a “halol” — a clean throw onto the back. No dubious decisions, no points for activity — either you put your opponent down, or you leave empty-handed.
Each bout lasted up to ten minutes, and the final — twenty. But in gustingiri, time rarely plays a primary role. Everything can be decided in seconds — one grip, one turn, one moment.
Photo: Dushanbe City Hall
Nevertheless, the tournament was challenging. Many matches ended in a draw, and wrestlers who could not determine a winner left without awards. This added tension: everyone understood — there was no time to waste; decisions had to be made.
Gradually, the tournament approached the main moment. In the final, two equally aged and ambitious wrestlers faced off — 24-year-olds Subkhiddin Khalilzoda and Shodmon Rizoiev. This was not just a final — it was a test of character. From the very first seconds, it became clear that no one intended to yield. Grips, attempts to unbalance, body work — the struggle was at its limit. The spectators literally could not take their eyes off.
And one moment decided it all. Khalilzoda found an opportunity, executed a precise move, and managed to put his opponent on his back. Cleanly, confidently, and without question. With this throw, Subkhiddin not only won the tournament but also became the owner of the grand prize — an electric car worth about 140 thousand somoni.
For him, this is not his first such success. Last year, he also won the Navruz tournament in the Shahmshiddin Shohin district and took home a car then too. But this victory is special: it came in the capital, at the main arena of the celebration.
Photo: Dushanbe City Hall
Khalilzoda is not just a gustingiri wrestler. His career is much broader. He is a product of the Tajik wrestling school, a six-time national champion in sambo among juniors, and a silver medalist at the 2022 Youth World Championship. He also competes in judo, kurash, and national wrestling. After the final, he stated that he dreams of victories on world stages, of standing on the podium to the national anthem of Tajikistan.
The series of Navruz competitions does not end here. In the coming days, similar tournaments will take place in Dangara, Shahmshiddin Shohin, Yavan, and Khorog. And there, they will again wrestle — for recognition and for the grand prizes.
Gustingiri in Tajikistan is part of the culture. It is no coincidence that on March 22, the country celebrates International Gustingiri Day, and the sport itself has already received official international status.
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