- Who
- Kırkpınar Wrestling Festival
- Where
- Türkiye (Edirne)
- When
The world's oldest continuously sanctioned sporting competition is reportedly the Kırkpınar Wrestling Festival, which has been held since the mid-14th century. The event is currently staged on the Sarayici Peninsula, near Edirne, Turkey.
Usually held towards the end of June, the Kırkpınar Wrestling Festival is staged during the course of a week. The winner receives a prized golden belt, which is paraded through the city of Edirne beforehand in a procession. Turkish wresting is distinguished by the fact that combatants are covered in oil prior to a bout, making it more difficult to grasp hold of each other and therefore requiring a high level of mastery in the sport.
