From June 25 to 28, 2026, the Republic of Tatarstan will host the 15th Anniversary World Koresh Belt Wrestling Championship. More than 300 athletes have registered to compete in the World Championship and World Junior Championship in koresh belt wrestling.
The competitions will be held in 11 men's weight categories and 10 junior boys' weight categories.
The preliminary bouts will take place on June 26, 2026, at the Boxing and Table Tennis Center in Kazan. The finals and official ceremonies will be held on June 27, 2026, at a specially prepared venue in the village of Minger, Republic of Tatarstan.
The winner of the absolute weight category will receive the championship's grand prize — a car, presented on behalf of the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The official ceremonies will be attended by:
As part of the World Championship, the following events will also be held:
Seventeen Years of World Championship History
Over the past 17 years, the World Koresh Championship has achieved remarkable international growth:
The 15th Anniversary World Koresh Championship 2026 will continue this successful legacy and serve as a symbol of unity, bringing together athletes from around the world through the traditions and values of koresh belt wrestling.
The competitions will be held in 11 men's weight categories and 10 junior boys' weight categories.
The preliminary bouts will take place on June 26, 2026, at the Boxing and Table Tennis Center in Kazan. The finals and official ceremonies will be held on June 27, 2026, at a specially prepared venue in the village of Minger, Republic of Tatarstan.
The winner of the absolute weight category will receive the championship's grand prize — a car, presented on behalf of the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The official ceremonies will be attended by:
- Dzhauadat Minnakhmetov, President of the International Koresh Federation;
- Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan;
- Olympic champions and Olympic medalists;
- Heads of municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan;
- Leaders of international sports federations.
As part of the World Championship, the following events will also be held:
- International Qualification Competition in Horseback Koresh, with qualification bouts taking place on June 26, 2026, at the Kazan International Equestrian Sports Complex indoor arena. Exhibition matches will also be featured during the World Championship ceremonies.
- Test Beach Koresh World Championship, where spectacular matches on sand will be held on June 26, 2026, at the Beach Sports Center.
Seventeen Years of World Championship History
Over the past 17 years, the World Koresh Championship has achieved remarkable international growth:
- 2009 – Šiauliai, Lithuania: The inaugural World Championship was held within the framework of the FILA World Games, establishing a new international tradition.
- 2010–2011 – Kazan, Russia: Two consecutive championships in Kazan strengthened koresh's international standing and attracted wrestlers from 17 countries.
- 2012 – São Paulo, Brazil: The first championship held outside Europe, opening new horizons for the sport.
- 2015 – Kazan, Russia: The championship returned to Kazan with increased international participation.
- 2017–2025 – Minger, Russia: A continuous series of championships during which koresh not only preserved its traditions but also evolved through a new competition format, expanded age divisions, and participation from more than 30 countries.
The 15th Anniversary World Koresh Championship 2026 will continue this successful legacy and serve as a symbol of unity, bringing together athletes from around the world through the traditions and values of koresh belt wrestling.