GORNO-ALTAISK, August 14 (Itar-Tass) — The Khuresh stadium was put into operation after reconstruction for special national wrestling “khuresh” in Kyzyl, the capital of the republic, by the 90th anniversary of the Tuva People’ s Republic.
Following its renovation, it conforms to international standards, and its seating capacity increased by 8,000, Itar-Tass learnt at the press service of the republican government.
Khuresh is one of the main republican sport buildings. Following the overhaul, its dilapidated stands were completely replaced; builders restored its natural grass plot, asphalted approach roads and improved the parking lot. A stage for cultural events and a podium were erected.
The stadium opened on Saturday the fourth international competition in national wrestling among nomadic ethnic groups of the world with the participation of over 80 sportsmen from Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and the Russian republics of Altai, Buryatia, Kalmykia and Khakassia.
The competition was an unforgettable event for the multithousand crowd of fans. They occupied all seats at the stadium to overflowing. Fans, who were tardy to buy tickets, could see the events on the big screen outside the stadium. Actors of the Tuva Music and Drama Theatre staged a show, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the republic.
Tuva head Sholban Kara-ool pointed to the special importance of the competition to publicize national types of wrestling and to consolidate friendly and cultural relations between peoples. He said: “Khuresh for Tuva residents was an indispensable attribute of life over the entire centuries-long history, and no zigzags and difficulties could eradicate love of the Tuva’s people for this wrestling and wrestlers, personifying the charm of strength and stamina of people’s spirit.”
The competition is held under the rules of the Mongolian national wrestling “barildaa”, when a wrestler participates personally in drawing lots so as to choose a rival. Then, an Olympic system comes into force, and an underdog bows out.
The Tuva government plans to build in Kyzyl a modern sport and concert complex for 10,000 spectators.