In 1998 the Kurash wrestling - the national value of the Uzbek people - was granted the status of international type of sports. Such move came on the initiative of the President Islam Karimov, according to the report.

Following such announcement, this type of wrestling began to rapidly develop throughout the world sporting arena.

At the moment, 114 countries became official members of the International Association of Kurash. The world and continental championships, prestigious international tournaments are regularly held in many of these countries.

The outgoing year - 2008 - was also rich with memorable moments in Kurash. In particular, the IAK recognized as the Event of 2008 the ceremonies dedicated to the 10th anniversary of founding of the International Association of Kurash, as well as events on the occasion of introduction of Kurash by the Asian Olympic Council to the program of the First Continental Games on wrestling in Thailand and the program of the Third Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam.

The twice world champion Abdullah Tangriev won in the nomination of Best wrestler of 2008. The outgoing season proved to be successful for that strongman. He also became a top medalist on the absolute weight category at the Fifth International Tournament named after Amir Temur held in the town of Shakhrisabz. Mr. Tangriev is also a silver medalist of the Beijing Olympics on judo.

Ms. Moira De Villiers of New Zealand, who has earned a gold medal at the world championship among youth, was recognized as the Best female wrestler of 2008.

Other laureates included: the wrestler from South Africa Zach Piontek in the nomination “The best hook”, Afit Amroni of Israel in the nomination “Will to victory”, Muhammad Minukeda of Iran - “The best arbiter”, the Moroccan Federation on Kurash - “The best federation”, the world youth championship in Turkey - “The best championship” and the European Confederation on Kurash - “The best confederation”.