Mentions of belt wrestling can be found in the literature of more than 70 countries in Europe and Asia. However, the elements of belt wrestling were first described in the epic "Manas," where historical figures Koshoy and Zholoy resolved their differences by wrestling according to the rules of Alys. As noted in the 9th-century Chinese manuscript "Tang Shu," spectacular wrestling competitions were held during the Nowruz holiday in Central Asia. An important artifact is a bronze statuette of two wrestlers found in Baghdad, which is about 6000 years old. Thus, there are grounds to believe that Alys is as old as the Kyrgyz people themselves. The chief coach of the national team, Kabyil Borubaev, will tell us about this unique Kyrgyz folk wrestling.
- I have been working in the federation in this position since 2013, and I myself was a wrestler and worked for four years as a coach. I have been in wrestling for many years. But during the collapse of the USSR, like many others, I had to switch to another job to earn a living. However, I could not stay away from sports and returned to this field.
- What attracted you specifically to Alys, given that many different types of wrestling are developing in our republic?
- This wrestling has appeared and developed a long time ago, and it is national. No holiday passes without wrestling competitions; both small children and gray-haired old men wrestle. First of all, wrestling is understandable to both the participants and the spectators; everyone knows the rules. I have been wrestling since early childhood.
- Tell me, which wrestling is Alys closer to, freestyle or classical?
- It is completely different from other types of wrestling and does not resemble classical or freestyle wrestling. In the modern world, it is developing very dynamically and has appealed to wrestling fans because it is very unusual, and the matches take place without injuries; moreover, it is the fastest.
Kyrgyz kurash is also very interesting wrestling; the thing is that one type is more popular among the southern residents, while another is among the northerners. Gradually, the types are mixing, although the rules differ slightly, as does the clothing; for example, we wrestle in kimonos, while in another type, the torso is bare. In one type, it is allowed to release the hand from the belt for a few seconds; in our case, this is absolutely not allowed. Our wrestlers hold onto the belts, and as soon as they let go, they receive a warning. When the wrestling begins, if an athlete throws their opponent onto their stomach, it is rated as one point; if onto their side, two points; and if onto their shoulder blades, a clean victory is awarded. The match lasts for 4 minutes. This wrestling is recognized as the fastest in the world. We do not have ground fighting; as soon as a throw is completed, the wrestling stops.
- You have a very interesting and beautiful outfit; tell me, when was it developed?
- This outfit is already used worldwide. In 2002, the late Bayaman Erkinbaev developed both the rules and the outfit. By the way, this is the only sport where winners and prize-winners are necessarily awarded caps and chapans during the award ceremony. Athletes experience real delight. Even those who lost then approach the organizers asking to purchase national clothing.
- They say we have a very strong national team...
- As of today, I cannot give a clear answer to your question, as many strong teams are also training in other countries. In 2015, the Kyrgyz team took third place overall. Athletes from Turkmenistan took the leading positions, and wrestlers from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia pose serious competition.
- In promoting Alys, do athletes from other countries know that it originated in Kyrgyzstan?
- Of course, because the very concept of Alys comes from the epic "Manas" and means the beginning of a match, implying "Wrestle." Even during the match, the "Referee" shouts "Alys"! In fact, there are many Kyrgyz words in the matches: jambash, chalu, karmash, oodaru, chabuu. However, to reach the international level, only two terms were retained: "Alys" and "Taza," the latter meaning a clean victory. These innovations were introduced by the International Wrestling Federation FILA, as they aim to include this type in the Olympic Games program.
- How many countries in the world already promote Alys?
- According to the latest estimates, there were about 70 countries, but every year the number of fans of this wrestling is growing, and now I am sure that the number has exceeded 80.
- Many assumed that with the passing of the main ideological inspirer, this type would fade into oblivion?
- That's right, but the work of her husband was continued by Cholpon Sultanbekova, who is currently the president of the Asian Federation and a member of the FILA women's wrestling commission. She has indeed done a lot. Her main goal today is to get Alys included in the Olympic Games program; she is working hard on this. After all, the founder of this wrestling was her late husband, and she wants to see his work completed. The Kyrgyz federation is currently headed by one of its founders, Malik Osmonov, while the International Federation is led by Gintautas Vileita. Since wrestling is developing dynamically, and despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan is the birthplace of Alys, the head of the international federation can still represent any other country. There are many candidates for the presidency worldwide. Alys was included in the international wrestling federation in 2008, and many competitions are included in the FILA international calendar. The federation itself has existed since 2002.
- What tournaments are held in our republic?
- In Kyrgyzstan, the Grand Prix tournament in memory of Bayaman Erkinbaev is held with the participation of 18 countries. An Asian championship has also been held; it is taking place for the third time in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Various championships of Kyrgyzstan and international tournaments are also organized. On December 23-24, the International tournament in memory of Masaliev will take place for the third time. We have invited three neighboring countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
- If any wrestling enthusiasts want to learn Alys, how can they join your team?
- There are sections in many clubs both in Bishkek and Osh, but the main hall is located at the intersection of Chuy and Almatinskaya streets, near the Academy of Tourism. We have a spacious complex with all amenities there. I would like to note that many guys transition to our sport from sambo and judo. After all, this is a very interesting wrestling style - once someone tries it, they never leave it.
- So, Alys wrestling has a very promising future?
- Of course, as this sport has already entered the Asian Indoor Games, and in 2016 it will be part of the World TAFISA Games in Indonesia. Gradually, we are climbing the steps towards the Olympics.
In his time, Abu Ali ibn Sina scientifically justified the great importance of physical exercises from a medical perspective. The great scholar also mentioned belt wrestling. He describes how, during a competition, two men, grasping each other's belts, pull each other towards themselves, each trying to throw the opponent without letting go of his belt. From this example, we conclude that folk wrestling has managed to establish itself and become a mass activity for the population of that time, deserving to be mentioned by the great medieval encyclopedist.
Today, belt wrestling continues to actively develop not only in Central Asia but also in Turkey, India, Iraq, Sri Lanka, China, Korea, Ethiopia, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, and many other countries on the path to the Olympic Games.
