Going To The Mat: Kyrgyzstan's Young Female Wrestling Champions
A training match at the local gym in the village of Kaba between wrestlers Aruuke Akibaeva and Madina Bakbur-kyzy.
Zairova holds silver and bronze medals from the Kyrgyz championships, while Bakbur-kyzy won a gold medal in the World Championship for teenagers.
Now 17, Zairova's initiation into wrestling came through her brother's influence.
"My brother used to wrestle at weddings, winning money and valuable prizes like sheep, cows, carpets, and dishes," she says. "Seeing his victories and rewards, I felt a strong urge to wrestle. Now my brother has left to work in Russia."
Zairova, who started wrestling at the age of 14, uses a hammer to build her arm muscles.
"I was the only girl at the gym. As I started achieving success in regional and district competitions, the girls in the village grew curious about wrestling," she says. "When the village gym opened its doors, it was mostly used by children. I trained with them in wrestling, and that's when girls began joining in."
Zairova dreams of becoming a world wrestling champion.
"I often hear phrases like, 'Sports and wrestling are not for girls.' Nevertheless, I am determined to take part in competitions and carry Kyrgyzstan's flag. I strongly believe that girls can excel in sports, as well," she says.
Zairova's medals
Zairova works with her grandmother.
"Of course, I shoulder household responsibilities, much like other village girls. I fetch water, cook, and at times tend sheep," she says.
Akibaeva, 16, during a training session at the gym.
Akibaeva trains with a tire at her house.
"My mother introduced me to wrestling. She grew up riding horses in the mountains and wanted me to embrace sports. Nowadays, I start my mornings with runs and do wheel pushing at home," she says.
Akibaeva playing with her younger brother.
Akibaeva trains with ropes in her yard. She has been wrestling for more than a year now.
When she's not training, Akibaeva also helps with the cooking.
Bakbur-kyzy prepares firewood ahead of her training sessions. She says she was inspired to take up wrestling by Zairova.
"Every time she triumphed in a competition, teachers would praise her and point to her as an example. Seeing her achievements, I, too, felt a calling towards wrestling," she says.
Bakbur-kyzy picks strawberries with her mother. She says her parents have supported her wrestling.
"Now I participate in competitions across Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Bishkek. I hope to compete in the World Championship for cadets and secure the top spot," she says.
Bakbur-kyzy walks to the gym. She has been wrestling for more than a year now.
Where it all happens: the local gym building in Kaba,
Around 30 boys and girls actively train at the gym.
Villagers working overseas contribute financial support monthly to fund their children's education, enabling access to free training. USAID also provides support.