Scientific Commission

Barbas Wins 2019 Rayko Petrov Award for Scientific Contributions

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 20) -- Dr. Ioannis Barbas has been awarded the 2019 Rayko Petrov Award for Scientific Contributions to Wrestling by the the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR) and the Scientific Commission of United World Wrestling.

The award was presented in Komotini, Greece by Dr. David Curby, the Director of the INWR.

Following a mat career as a Greco-Roman wrestler for the Greek National Team, Ioannis began his early academic career in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at the Democritus University of Thrace. 

Dr. Barbas continued his studies at the National Academy of State in Sofia where he studied with scholarship and gained his PhD in Physical Education in 2001 under the tutelage of Dr. Petrov.  

He's the chair of Wrestling at the Physical Education and Sports School of the Democritus University of Thrace. In 2007 he was one of the founding members and deputy director of the INWR and has helped organized 13 International Scientific Wrestling Forums and Symposiums.

Dr. Barbas has also presented ninety-six (96) papers at scientific conferences and symposia around the world including the "Wrestling+ Injury Prevention Program for Young Athletes" which was created in cooperation with his colleagues from the Rehabilitation Laboratory of Democritus University of Thrace.

He also created the “Barbas 3D Wrestling Dummy” and has written and translated four books.

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The Rayko Petrov Award is named in honor of-PROFESSOR RAYKO (1930 – 2011). Petrov was a coach, scientist and pedagogue who dedicated all his life to wrestling. Prof. Rayko Petrov’s works are numerous; hundreds of titles in scientific publications, textbooks, manuals, programs, sports regulations and over 80 books. The message in all these works is unambiguous: wrestling existed in the past, exists today and shall exist in the future as it is a cultural factor in human society. It is an integral part of traditions, folklore, literature and art. It is an integral part of people's lives. Prof. Rayko Petrov’s works reflected his personality – a brilliant scientist with outstanding intellectual capacity for whom coaching was not simply work, but rather a science and a way of forging human character.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

United World Wrestling renews partnership with Taishan for next four years

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (December 19) --United World Wrestling (UWW) is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with Taishan in the mats category for the next Olympic cycle.

As part of this renewed agreement, Taishan will maintain exclusivity for the senior World Championships, ensuring the continued use of their premium mats for the sport's most prestigious events.

During a recent visit to Taishan’s headquarters and factory, UWW President Nenad LALOVIC praised the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations. He highlighted the importance of extending this successful partnership to support the growth and development of wrestling globally.

“United World Wrestling is delighted to extend its partnership with Taishan for another 4 years,” said Lalovic. “Taishan has been a reliable and valued partner, consistently providing high-quality equipment that meets the needs of our athletes and events. This renewed agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to the future of wrestling.”

Lalovic expressed his admiration for the company’s advancements in sports technology. He was particularly impressed by Taishan’s innovative flexi-roll wrestling mats, gym equipment, carbon fiber bicycles, and artificial turf production, showcasing Taishan’s versatility and commitment to innovation across the sports industry.

The renewed partnership reflects the shared values of UWW and Taishan in promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the world of sports.

Both organizations remain committed to supporting athletes and events with the highest standards of equipment as wrestling continues to thrive on the global stage.

For official Taishan website, visit here — www.taishansports.cn

Contact:
No. 1 Taishan Sports Rd,
Leling, Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China 253600
Tel: +86 18453178888
Email: info@taishansports.com / wadezhang@taishansports.com 
Website: www.taishansports.cn

Approved mat reference: TQ1519A - Square
Approval expiry date: December 2028

Approved mat reference: TQ1519B - Octagon
Approval expiry date: December 2028

Approved mat reference: TQ1519C - Roll up
Approval expiry date: December 2028