India’s Pincky Balhara stormed into the semifinals of the women’s -78kg Kurash event at the Asian Games after defeating South Korea’s Lim Garam 3-0 in the quarterfinal.
The victory at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall guarantees India at least a bronze medal in the event, with Pincky now just one win away from reaching the final. The Indian will look to go a step further and secure a place in the gold-medal bout.
What is Kurash?
Kurash is a traditional Uzbek wrestling sport that combines elements of grappling, throws and physical strength. The sport has ancient roots in Central Asia and has developed into an internationally governed discipline, with the International Kurash Association (IKA) overseeing its global development.
Origin of Kurash
Kurash is believed to have been practised in Central Asia for more than 3,000 years, particularly in the region that is now Uzbekistan. Traditionally, it was associated with festivals and celebrations and was used as a test of strength, balance and technique.
Modern Kurash was formalised in Uzbekistan in the 20th century before spreading internationally. It made its Asian Games debut at Jakarta-Palembang in 2018.
What Are The Rules Of Kurash?
Kurash competitors wear a traditional jacket called a yaktak, along with trousers and a belt. Unlike some other grappling sports, competitors primarily attack using throws, rather than wrestling on the ground.
A match begins with both athletes gripping each other’s jacket. The objective is to throw the opponent onto the back with control and force. The wrestlers can’t grab the leg of their opponent, and any attack below the waist is considered a foul.
Athletes can score through different levels of throws, with Halal being the highest-scoring and decisive technique. Other scoring categories include Yambosh and Chala, while penalties can also influence the result. Although Kurash has been running for thousands of years in Uzbekistan, it got international recognition just a couple of decades ago.
What Is A Halal Move?
A Halal is the perfect throw in Kurash and can immediately win the contest. It is awarded when a competitor throws the opponent onto their back with sufficient speed, force and control, demonstrating a technically clean execution.