Review

Azerbaijani National Wrestling in Physical Education: Cultural, Physical and Psychological Perspectives – A narrative review

Number: Advanced Online Publication February 18, 2026
EN TR

Azerbaijani National Wrestling in Physical Education: Cultural, Physical and Psychological Perspectives – A narrative review

Abstract

Physical education (PE) is important for maintaining students' physical and psychological health. It is important to note that preserving and promoting national culture and sports traditions should also be a focus in the educational process. The sports taught within the PE curriculum in schools vary based on the standards and policies of each country's education system. Teenagers in some countries, most notably in Azerbaijan, have been observed to lack adequate knowledge of and interest in national sports. This study analysed the role of national wrestling in PE in schools and its possible contributions to students' overall development. As part of the study, the narrative literature review method was used to determine the importance of implementing national wrestling elements into PE and to identify its potential benefits. The results obtained from the literature analysis indicate that integrating national sports into school programs positively influences students' physical, psychological, and social development. In addition to improving students' physical abilities, Azerbaijani national wrestling helps them develop self-control, accountability, and teamwork. This sport is also important for transmitting cultural heritage and maintaining national identity. Experiences from other countries show that integrating national sports into the curriculum reduces stress and depression levels, improves social interactions, and increases motivation and interest in sports. Therefore, it would be beneficial to include national sports, particularly wrestling, in Azerbaijani schools' curricula. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that integration of Azerbaijani national wrestling into the PE curriculum may positively influence students' development of athletic abilities, preservation of national values, and their transmission to future generations. Nevertheless, it has been noted that there is a lack of scientific research on this subject. Future research should consider adopting experimental approaches and developing methods to facilitate broader integration of national sports into schools’ curricula.

Keywords

References

  1. Ağralı Ermiş, S., Canikli Temel, N., Yıldız Öztürk, R., Dereceli, E. (2025). The Mediating Role of Positive Self-Perception on Psychological Distress, Empathy and Mental Toughness in Athletes. International Journal of Recreation and Sports Science, 9(2), 153-167. https://doi.org/10.46463/ijrss.1694950
  2. An, J., & Nie, Z. (2023). Research on Integration and Application of Ethnic Sports, Folk Sports, and Traditional Sports in School Education among Minority Groups. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 29(4), 319–344. https://doi.org/10.52152/kuey.v29i4.957
  3. Aydemir, A., Yavaş, Ö., & Yılmaz, O. (2025). An Investigation of the Sports Awareness Levels of Individuals Participating in International Sports Events in Terms of Various Variables: The Case of the Marmara Region. International Journal of Recreation and Sports Science, 9(2), 252-262. https://doi.org/10.46463/ijrss.1796995
  4. Ayhan, C., Gümüş, H., Marcen, C., Çağlayan, B. (2023). Leisure Activity Type and Sustainable Health Status in Late Adolescents. Insan ve Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 6(2), 231-248. https://doi.org/10.53048/johass.1372057
  5. Bernthal, M. J., & Medway, F. J. (2005). An initial exploration into the psychological implications of adolescents’ involvement with professional wrestling. School Psychology International, 26(2), 224–242. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034305052915
  6. Bowles, R., & O’Sullivan, M. (2012). Rhetoric and reality: The role of the teacher in shaping a school sport programme. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 17(3), 303–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2012.690383
  7. Cha, V. (2016). Role of Sport in International Relations: National Rebirth and Renewal. Asian Economic Policy Review, 11(1), 139–155. https://doi.org/10.1111/aepr.12127
  8. Chaabene, H., Negra, Y., Bouguezzi, R., Mkaouer, B., Franchini, E., Julio, U., & Hachana, Y. (2017). Physical and physiological attributes of wrestlers: An update. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(5), 1411–1442. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001738

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Training and Sports , Physical Training and Sports Pedagogy

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

February 18, 2026

Publication Date

February 18, 2026

Submission Date

July 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 6, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Jalalov, F. (2026). Azerbaijani National Wrestling in Physical Education: Cultural, Physical and Psychological Perspectives – A narrative review. International Journal of Recreation and Sports Science, Advanced Online Publication, 6-13. https://doi.org/10.46463/ijrss.1734212