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Middle East tensions rise as U.S. deploys forces, Iran warns of ‘barrage of fire’

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The Pentagon is considering the possibility of limited ground operations inside Iran that could last from several weeks to up to two months, The Washington Post reported.

According to the report, the scenarios under discussion do not provide for a full-scale invasion. Instead, they involve targeted raids by special forces and conventional infantry units in coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz. Potential objectives may include the seizure of Kharg Island, one of Iran’s key oil export hubs.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon’s task is to prepare for various contingencies and ensure the commander-in-chief has “maximum flexibility.” She stressed that such preparations do not mean a decision to launch a ground operation has been made.

Earlier reports indicated that about 3,500 U.S. troops had been deployed to the region aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli. According to The Washington Post, the deployment could be part of preparations for operations that may last several weeks.

It remains unclear whether U.S. President Donald Trump would approve such actions. Speaking to reporters in early March, he said, “I’m not sending troops anywhere,” while adding that if such a decision were made, he “certainly wouldn’t announce it in advance.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, said Washington could achieve its objectives in Iran without deploying ground forces, the BBC reported. According to him, the presence of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf is intended to provide the president with a range of options in the event of further escalation.

 

Iran signals readiness to respond

Iranian media, including the state-run news agency IRNA, published a statement by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf marking one month since the start of the conflict.

Ghalibaf said Iran’s armed forces are prepared for possible escalation. “They are waiting for American soldiers to land so they can unleash a barrage of fire upon them,” he said.

He also claimed that “the enemy publicly signals readiness for negotiations while secretly preparing a ground offensive.” According to Ghalibaf, the United States, “by presenting a list of 15 demands, is seeking to achieve what it failed to accomplish during the war.”

Regarding the possibility of capitulation, he stressed that Tehran’s position is “clear” and that the country will not accept “humiliation.”

Reports about a potential U.S. ground operation in Iran have been widely discussed in American media in recent days, although no official confirmation of invasion plans has been made. Trump has previously stated that he does not intend to deploy U.S. troops to the region.

Rahmon opens key infrastructure and industrial projects during his visit to Sughd province

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President Emomali Rahmon on March 29 began a working visit to the Sughd province, where he took part in the inauguration of several facilities dedicated to the International Navrouz holiday and the 35th anniversary of state independence.

In the city of Buston, the State Russian Drama Theater named after Alexander Pushkin was reopened after reconstruction with the participation of the head of state. Located on Bobojon-Ghafourov Street, the facility includes a 300-seat auditorium, rehearsal spaces, 14 offices, and auxiliary premises, according to the president’s press service.

On the same day, Rahmon launched operations at a cardboard box manufacturing enterprise in the Kansoy settlement. Following modernization, the plant’s capacity increased to more than 20,000 boxes per day, with a projected capacity of around 30,000.

The president also remotely inaugurated the Rahimi trade and service center in the village of Khistevarz and the Chujai Bayzo poultry farm in the Isfisor settlement, designed to raise up to 200,000 birds. The total number of poultry farms in the region has now reached 68. The facility was built by a group of entrepreneurs on 6.7 hectares, with investments exceeding 12 million somoni.

In Khujand, Rahmon also opened the modern sports complex Sughd Arena, which, according to the press service, is expected to significantly enhance the region’s sports infrastructure and athlete training capacity.

The complex features 11 halls and a main arena with seating for 1,000 spectators, allowing it to host competitions ranging from regional to international levels. It also includes a 3,000-seat football stadium that will serve as a training and home base for FC Khujand.

Overall, the facility is designed to support training in 14 sports, providing modern conditions that meet international standards.

During his visit to Khujand, the president also commissioned a nine-story residential building for public sector employees, comprising 40 apartments. Housing keys were handed over to 30 workers from the education and healthcare sectors.

In addition, Rahmon inaugurated the administrative building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Sughd province and the Sughd Sanoat Holding beverage production plant.

The facility is equipped with production lines from Germany and China and produces two types of soft drinks using local raw materials. The plant was built by entrepreneur Mirzoabdurahmon Mirzobahodourzoda.

The president was also presented with plans for five new projects, including facilities for pasta production, animal feed manufacturing, cotton processing, a modern greenhouse, and the Sughd Mall service center.

Tajik government sets priorities for autumn-winter preparedness and approves key national programs

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On March 28, a meeting of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was held under the chairmanship of President Emomali Rahmon.

The session opened with a report by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda on preparations to ensure the stable and efficient functioning of the country’s economic and social sectors during the 2026–2027 autumn-winter period.

According to the report, the draft government decree is aimed at defining key tasks and measures required to address issues related to seasonal preparedness across the republic.

President Rahmon instructed officials to approve a comprehensive action plan for timely preparations and to establish a republican headquarters to oversee its implementation. Regional and local executive authorities, along with relevant ministries and agencies, were also directed to submit monthly summary reports to the headquarters by the 20th of each month.

Minister of Health and Social Protection Jamoliddin Abdullozoda presented two national programs: the Tuberculosis Prevention Program for 2026–2030 and the Program for the Development of Blood Donation and Ensuring the Safety of Donor Blood for the same period.

The government also reviewed and approved the 2026–2027 implementation plans for the State Coastal Strengthening Program (2023–2027) and the Agro-Food System Development and Sustainable Agriculture Program through 2030.

Concluding the meeting, President Rahmon issued further instructions to government bodies at all levels to ensure the implementation of previous directives and decisions adopted during the session.

Additional directives focused on expanding spring planting activities, improving the efficient use of arable land, strengthening environmental protection measures, preventing natural disasters—particularly spring floods—and accelerating construction efforts in preparation for the 35th anniversary of state independence.

Navrouz as a brand of Tajikistan: how to turn the holiday into a tourist attraction?

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While Navrouz was previously viewed as a cultural heritage, today it is time to consider it as a strategic tourism asset, believes tourism expert Umedjon Saidov.

In many countries, national holidays have become true tourism brands: numerous visitors from abroad come to experience and participate in unique folk traditions.

But can the celebration of Navrouz in Tajikistan become such a tourist highlight? How can this truly national holiday be made attractive for foreign visitors? Experts provide their answers.

 

Number of Tourists Is Growing

In recent years, Tajikistan has been attracting increasing interest from foreign visitors. According to the Committee for Tourism Development of Tajikistan, from January to December 2025, the country was visited by 2,104.7 thousand foreign citizens for all purposes of travel. This figure is 19% higher than in 2024.

“Out of the total number, 1,784.4 thousand people were classified as tourists, including 1,634.5 thousand from CIS countries and 149.9 thousand from non-CIS countries,” said the Chairman of the Committee for Tourism Development of Tajikistan, Jamshed Jumakhonzoda, at a press conference in February this year.

The largest number of tourists arrived from Uzbekistan — 1,046,672 people. From Russia — 396,475 tourists, from Kyrgyzstan — 137,530 people, from Kazakhstan — 37,288 people, and from China — 33,178 people.

However, there is still little information about Tajikistan and its services on the internet for effective travel planning. This has been previously noted by the head of the State Tourism Committee and was also highlighted at a roundtable last autumn dedicated to promoting Russian-Tajik tourism.

The event pointed out the problem of the lack of high-quality online information about Tajikistan, its tour companies, and its overall tourism potential. Some websites may not function properly, or the information on them may be outdated, making it difficult to learn more about the country and plan a trip.

According to experts, the focus should be placed on unique tourism products—areas in which the country has particular strengths.

The Navrouz period presents an excellent opportunity to showcase Tajikistan to the world and highlight the distinctive features of how the holiday is celebrated in the country. Culinary master classes during Navruz could become a key highlight of tours, as one of the main symbols of the holiday is sumalak (sumanak).

 

Not Just a Holiday

“Today, the main question is not how to celebrate Navrouz, but how to ‘sell’ it to the world as a ready-made tourism product,” says Umedjon Saidov, General Director of Somon Travel and Ambassador for Tourism Development of Tajikistan.

The approach to promoting Navrouz and positioning it as a brand has already evolved, even compared to last year. According to the expert, the first steps are now supported by concrete figures and new formats.

For example, on March 23 this year, an organized group of about 90 tourists from Kazakhstan will arrive by train. For the local tourism market, this could become a landmark event.

“In fact, we are testing a new format—railway tourism. This is a more accessible segment that could open Tajikistan to a much wider audience,” Saidov explains.

According to him, if this model proves successful, it could lead to regular regional routes in the future, including trips to Samarkand during the tourist season.

 

The Problem Is Not Navruz — but Its “Packaging”

“Navrouz already has everything a modern tourist is looking for: culture, gastronomy, traditions, and atmosphere. But there is one nuance. We are not yet selling Navrouz as a product. We simply celebrate it. However, the key task is to turn it into a clear and marketable offering.

According to market participants, organized tour packages increase a tourist’s average spending by 20–40%, as they include more services and experiences. We need to move from isolated events to a comprehensive offer—from arrival to departure,” Saidov says.

In his view, the country needs to shift from fragmented events to ready-made tour packages, where visitors receive a complete experience covering every stage of their stay.

The expert emphasizes that a tourist’s first impression is formed within the first hours. Therefore, it is proposed to organize cultural programs already at railway stations, featuring performers and elements of national culture.

“Last year, this approach for Iranian tourists not only increased their satisfaction but also encouraged them to share their experiences on social media,” Umedjon Saidov notes.

 

The Whole Country as One Stage

Today, different regions offer various formats of celebration, which is an advantage but requires coordination. Experts note that tourists spend on average 3–5 days in the country, and it is crucial to showcase maximum diversity within this period. Synchronizing events and routes can extend the length of stay, increase tourist spending, and distribute visitor flows more evenly across regions.

“A key trend in recent years is the shift toward experiential tourism. According to international estimates, up to 60% of tourists are willing to pay more for interactive experiences rather than standard excursions. Navrouz is perfectly suited to this format:

·         participation in preparing sumanak;

·         traditional games;

·         national clothing;

·         family-oriented activities.

Today’s tourist seeks emotions, not just attractions,” the expert emphasizes.

Social media also plays an important role in current conditions. According to tour operators, publications by international bloggers about Tajikistan have already garnered 20 million views. There is a need to further develop promotion on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.

This trend is already reflected in the country’s economy. Data shows that hotel occupancy rates in the capital can reach 80–100%, while passenger traffic, as well as revenues in the restaurant and transport sectors, continue to grow.

According to expert estimates, with a systematic approach, Navrouz could increase tourist inflows by 10–20% during the spring season.

 

Navrouz Pass, Fixed Tour Packages, and Night Markets

Among the initiatives currently under discussion are:

·         tourist trains under the Navruz Railway Package;

·         a unified ticket (Navruz Pass);

·         development of the nighttime economy;

·         positioning Dushanbe as the center of the celebrations;

·         active international promotion.

According to experts, Tajikistan’s key advantage is that there is no need to artificially create anything.

“Navrouz already exists as a strong cultural product. Our task is to better organize it, package it, and present it to the world. If this approach is implemented, the country has every chance to establish itself as the center of spring tourism in Central Asia, with sustainable growth in tourist flows and industry revenues,” says Umedjon Saidov.

It is also important to consider Navrouz as a standardized product in the form of fixed tour packages such as “Navrouz Week,” similar to the city pass systems in Europe. This would allow visitors to use transport, visit museums, and attend various events. Such packages could be sold through international platforms, meaning it would go beyond simply “including Navrouz in tours.”

Tourists could take part in traditional rituals, cook sumanak, try on national clothing, and create ornaments with local craftsmen, experiencing Navrouz rather than just observing it.

In the evenings, visitors could explore night markets, attend gastronomic festivals, while younger audiences could take part in dedicated festivals and even digital content-driven challenges.

Special attention should also be given to launching a Navrouz Hospitality Program for guides, drivers, and restaurant staff—training aimed at improving service quality.

“If Navrouz was previously viewed as cultural heritage, today it should be seen as a strategic tourism asset. With proper coordination between the state and business, Tajikistan can become the main center of Navrouz celebrations in Central Asia and one of the key spring tourism destinations in Eurasia,” Umedjon Saidov concluded.

 

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan presidents outline results of high-level talks

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The presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon, summarized the outcomes of high-level talks during a joint press briefing held at the Kuksaroy Residence on March 26, following the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.

The Uzbek president’s press service reports that opening the briefing, President Mirziyoyev praised Tajikistan’s recent economic performance, highlighting steady growth, successful investment attraction, controlled inflation, and rising real incomes.

He reaffirmed that Tajikistan remains a reliable strategic partner and ally, noting that bilateral relations continue to develop dynamically across political, economic, and humanitarian spheres, underpinned by shared goals and mutual trust.

Both sides reportedly welcomed the regular engagement between parliaments, governments, regional leaders, and representatives of the intelligentsia. Trade between the two countries approached $1 billion last year, while industrial cooperation has expanded significantly, with more than 500 joint ventures operating in Uzbekistan.

Transport links have also strengthened, with ten weekly flights currently connecting the two capitals.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the extensive preparations leading up to the summit, including meetings of the intergovernmental commission, regional forums, and exchanges involving rectors, scientists, youth, and think tanks. Cultural initiatives such as the Days of Tajik Culture and Cinema were also successfully held.

During the talks and the inaugural session of the Supreme Interstate Council, the two leaders reportedly discussed a wide range of issues and identified key priorities for advancing their multifaceted partnership. They emphasized the importance of sustained engagement at all levels and closer coordination within regional and international platforms, including the Consultative Meetings format and “Central Asia Plus” initiatives.

Economic cooperation featured prominently on the agenda. The two governments were tasked with taking concrete steps to boost bilateral trade to $2 billion under a dedicated program. Plans include accelerating the establishment of the Oybek–Fotehobod trade zone and implementing a $2 billion cooperation program spanning energy, geology, metallurgy, textiles, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

The leaders also agreed to make active use of the Joint Investment Company to support these initiatives.

In the transport and transit sector, the sides signed an agreement on introducing an electronic permit system for freight transport and reached understandings on expanding air and rail connections, as well as increasing the capacity of border checkpoints.

They stressed that these measures are aimed at creating favorable conditions for businesses and citizens, while unlocking the economic potential of border regions.

Water and energy cooperation was identified as another strategic priority. Both countries expressed readiness to jointly advance major green energy projects and enhance coordination on water resource management, including the digitalization of water infrastructure.

Cultural and humanitarian ties were also highlighted as a key pillar of bilateral relations. Joint initiatives include the production of a film dedicated to the friendship between historical figures Abdurahmon Jomi and Alisher Navoi, as well as the naming of a street in New Tashkent after Dushanbe.

The two sides also agreed to expand exchanges in education, tourism, and youth programs, supported by an annual calendar of events. A comprehensive cooperation program will be developed to support diaspora communities, strengthen cultural centers, and preserve language and traditions.

Both leaders concluded that the outcomes of the visit would significantly strengthen allied relations and contribute to the long-term development and prosperity of both nations, according to the Uzbek president’s press service.

Presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan visit historic sites in Bukhara

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On March 27, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan jointly toured major historical landmarks in the ancient city of Bukhara as part of Rahmon’s state visit to Uzbekistan.

The Tajik president’s official website says the visit included stops at the Bukhara Fortress, the memorial complex and mausoleum of Bahauddin Naqshband, the Labi Hauz ensemble, the Poi Kalon architectural complex, and the Mausoleum of Ismoil Somoni.

Particular attention was given to the Samanid Mausoleum, an architectural monument dating back to the 9th–10th centuries. Widely regarded as a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, the structure reflects the craftsmanship of its era.

According to historical accounts, the mausoleum was commissioned at the end of the 9th century by the prominent statesman Ismoil Somoni (849–907) over the burial site of his father, Ahmad ibn Asad. Ismoil Somoni himself, along with his son Nasr II and other members of the dynasty, are also buried there.

The square-shaped structure is crowned with a large dome and features decorative elements along its perimeter, including four corner towers that enhance both its architectural balance and structural strength.

The Samanid Mausoleum, also known as the Mausoleum of Ismoil Somoni, is one of the few structures to have fully survived from the Samanid period. It remains one of Bukhara’s most significant historical landmarks and a rare example of early Central Asian architecture.

The site is included in the ISESCO Cultural Heritage List and attracts hundreds of visitors from around the world each day.

During Tajikistan’s independence period, special recognition has been given to the legacy of Ismoil Somoni as a founder of Tajik statehood. In 1999, Tajikistan marked the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid state with national celebrations, including the unveiling of a monument to Ismoil Somoni in Dushanbe. The national currency, the somoni, and a district of the capital are also named in his honor.

Tajikistan opens new embassy building in Tashkent

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On March 26, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, officially inaugurated the new building of the Tajik Embassy in Tashkent during a ceremony held as part of Rahmon’s state visit to Uzbekistan.

The Tajik president’s official website says the opening took place in a formal setting, with the two leaders unveiling a symbolic plaque to mark the inauguration of the modern diplomatic facility.

National anthems of both Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were performed in honor of the occasion, followed by the raising of the Tajik national flag at the embassy.

After the ceremony, the two presidents toured the new embassy complex and signed the guest book, expressing their commitment to further strengthening friendly, brotherly and good-neighborly relations between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were established on October 22, 1992. The Embassy of Uzbekistan currently operates in Dushanbe.

The opening of the new Tajik embassy building follows the inauguration of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Dushanbe on April 19, 2024, which was also attended by both presidents during Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Tajikistan.

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan sign broad package of cooperation agreements

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On March 26, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan signed a wide range of new cooperation agreements following high-level talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in a move aimed at deepening strategic partnership and expanding bilateral ties, according to the Tajik president’s official website.

At the conclusion of the talks, and allied relations between their countries.

Prime Ministers Qohir Rasoulzoda of Tajikistan and Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan also signed key documents, including a program to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion by 2030, as well as a framework for industrial cooperation.

In the presence of the two presidents, officials from both sides signed a series of agreements and memorandums covering a broad range of sectors. These included culture, tourism, technology and innovation, mining, finance, agriculture, scientific research, public administration, and vocational education. Additional agreements addressed cooperation in healthcare, transport, digital systems, and the mutual recognition of electronic certificates of origin for goods.

The two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration between law enforcement training institutions and to amend the founding agreement of the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan Investment Company.

Officials noted that the agreements build on momentum from the Second Interregional Forum “Tajikistan–Uzbekistan,” held on March 24 in the city of Jizzakh, where additional investment deals were concluded. These agreements span industrial processing, textiles, agriculture, construction materials, services, and digitalization.

Following the signing ceremony, Presidents Rahmon and Mirziyoyev held a joint press conference, where they praised the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of fully implementing the newly signed agreements.

Both leaders expressed confidence that, given current momentum and existing opportunities, trade between the two countries could reach $2 billion by 2028. 

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan launch joint projects in virtual ceremony

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On March 26, the presidents of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Emomali Rahmon and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, took part in a virtual ceremony marking the inauguration and launch of several joint infrastructure and industrial projects in both countries.

According to the Tajik president’s official website, the event was held at the Kuksaroy Palace in Tashkent as part of President Rahmon’s state visit to Uzbekistan. During the ceremony, the two leaders authorized the start of construction and opening of multiple facilities aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation.

In Tajikistan, construction began on seven projects. These include the expansion of the Artel household appliances production line, the building of the Shox Med medical clinic in Dushanbe, the establishment of a textile cluster, the development of a modern fruit processing line, the production of medical solutions, and the launch of a furniture and industrial equipment manufacturing project in Sughd province.

The ceremony also marked the approval of several joint initiatives in Uzbekistan. These include projects for milk processing and cheese production, juice manufacturing, the naming of a street in New Tashkent as “Dushanbe,” the construction of a modern high-rise residential complex, and the establishment of a canned food production facility.

In total, 12 projects were approved during the virtual event. According to official figures, the seven projects in Tajikistan are valued at $98 million, while five projects in Uzbekistan amount to $63.2 million.

Officials said the initiatives are expected to create new jobs and further strengthen economic ties between the two neighboring countries. 

Navruz, Wrestling, and Cars: How the Pahlavon from Rogun Conquered the Gushtingiri Tournament in Dushanbe

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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.

The arena in “Navruzgoh,” where the gustingiri competitions took place
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.

The car that Subkhiddin Khalilzoda received
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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