Once upon a time in ancient Persia a group of valorous warriors devoted to protect their land, they were known as Pahlevani – heroes - and later Varzesh-e Pahlevani that means the sport of the heroes ...

Varzesh Baastani means "the ancient sport" and is rooted in Iran’s pre-Islamic culture, although today it has taken on influences from Shia Islam and Sufism. The sport is played out in a zourkhaneh, ...

Iran's "ancient sport" -- or "varzesh bastani" -- a traditional form of athletics that combines elements of Islam and ancient Persian beliefs, has long been a male-only domain. But not so much anymore ...