Pahlevan of Iran (Persian: پهلوان ایران‎) is an annual Pahlevani Wrestling competition held in Iran, in which athletes from across the country compete. The champion earns the title of Pahlevan and the right to wear the Bazouband (championship armband). Though the competition has ancient roots, its modern form has been held only since 1944. Described as "tangled up with the soul of Iranian peoples", the title is athletically and culturally prestigious in Iran. The Pahlevan armband was formerly awarded by the Shah of Iran and is now presented by the president of Iran.