Grappling

2019 European Grappling Championship

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Bucharest, Romania (April 6th) –After an action-filled first day of No-Gi Grappling yesterday, the athletes put on the Gi and tied their belts for action in Grappling. Day 2 was just as good, athletes showcased their adaptability and utilized the Gi to the fullest to tangle up their opponents with sweeps from the guard and chokes from all positions and every angle.

Men’s Grappling

World silver medalist in 2018 and veteran of the 62KG division, Dmytro BARANOV (UKR) came better prepared than ever to this year's European edition. BARANOV (UKR) won 3 matches on his way to the final including a redemption match against France’s Anthony DE OLIVEIRA who defeated him in the final of No-GI yesterday. In the finals against Akhmed Zulpukarovitch MAGOMEDOV (RUS), his veteran's experience proved the difference, winning the match 5-5 ( criteria).

Khachbar KHACHILAEV (RUS) aggression and takedown oriented game were too much for his opponents over the course of both days. At +100KG this explosive athlete was all over his opponents winning gold in both styles. In the final of Grappling, Abdel Hakim DJABALI (FRA) was a game opponent but fell short 5-2.

Women’s Grappling

One gold medal was not enough for Svitlana SKRYPNYK (UKR). After winning big yesterday she followed up with an equally impressive performance in the Gi. Taking on 4 opponents on her way to the finals, SKRYPNYK (UKR) defeated all including the bronze medal winner in No-Gi Anzhelika PEKH (RUS). In the finals match  Polina KRUPSKAIA (RUS) proved to be her toughest test of the day. After an early back take to score 4 points, SKRYPNKY (UKR) was forced to make use of her skilled guard retention to hold off the surging Russian. The 4 points was just enough for the win and with it the title 53KG.

Grappling Team Results:
1.) Russia
2.) Ukraine
3.) Poland

Next up for Grappling and Grappling No-GI will be the Pan-American Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina on  April 15th and 16th. Make sure to catch it all on United World Wrestling.

 

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.