Youth Olympic Games

Argentina Celebrate as Machuca Makes YOG Gold Medal Finals

By Tim Foley

BUENOS AIRES (October 13) – After a length early session that saw 56 matches per mat, Argentinian fans were treated to the news that after a 4-0 start Linda Marilina MACHUCA (ARG) would be in tonight’s gold medal finale.

The 73kg grappler made easy work of all four opponents, capping her perfect morning session with a decisive victory over Khadija JLASSI (TUN), 5-2.

Wrestlers from 9 nations will be represented in the finals, with Uzbekistan position two athletes for gold.
 

Women’s Wrestling, 43kg

Simran SIMRAN (IND) v. Emily King SHILSON (USA)
Shahana NAZAROVA (AZE) v. Enkhzul BATBAATAR (MGL)
Justine Fanny VIGOUROUX (FRA) v. Maria LEORDA (MDA)
Heloisa Elena MARTINEZ (BRA) v. Sara Gouda Farouk MAHMOUD (EGY)
Christianah Tolulope OGUNSANYA (NGR) v. Ella Mae DERRY (NZL)

Women’s Freestyle, 49kg

Shokhida AKHMEDOVA (UZB) v. Emma Jonna Denise MALMGREN (SWE)
Tiare Lynn Masako Dizon IKEI (USA) v. Roza SZENTTAMASI (HUN)
Natallia VARAKINA (BLR) v. Zineb ECH CHABKI (MAR)

Maria Jose MOSQUERA ROJAS (VEN) v. Paulina Jean DUENAS (GUM)
Nilufar RAIMOVA (KAZ) v. Sopealai SIM (CAM)

Women’s Freestyle, 57kg

Anna Hella SZEL (HUN) v. Nonoka OZAKI (JPN)
Irina RINGACI (MDA) v. Anastasia BLAYVAS (GER)
Mayra Alejandra PARRA ALVAREZ (VEN) v. Andrea Monserrat LOPEZ MARTINEZ (MEX)
Hala Wael Imbabi AHMED (EGY) v. Mansi MANSI (IND)
Lydia TOIDA (CMR) v. Kaetlyn Rae Okada QUINTANILLA (GUM)

Women’s Freestyle, 65kg

Xinru ZHOU (CHN) v. Oksana CHUDYK (UKR)
Oyun Erdene TAMIR (MGL) v. Sunmisola Idowu BALOGUN (NGR)
Amina Roxana CAPEZAN (ROU) v. Viktoria VESSO (EST)

Yetzis Camila RAMIREZ MARQUEZ (CUB) v. Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN)
Sandra Elena ESCAMILLA MENCHACA (MEX) v. Natacha Véronique NABAINA (CMR)

Women’s Freestyle, 73kg

Linda Marilina MACHUCA (ARG) v. Milaimys de la Caridad MARIN POTRILLE (CUB)
Kseniya DZIBUK (BLR) v. Yuka KAGAMI (JPN)
Svetlana OKNAZAROVA (UZB) v. Julia Hanna Ellinor FRIDLUND (SWE)
Khadija JLASSI (TUN) v. Anika Elizabeth WHITE (CAN)
Vahide Nur GOK (TUR) v. Ioana Penina Nicole Uputaua LUDGATE (ASA)

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.