china, Women's Wrestling, japan women's wrestling, wrestling, United World Wrestling, asian championships, asia wrestling, Taiwan, chinese taipei

China Wins Women’s Team Title as Japan Stumbles

By Tim Foley

Team Japan headed into Saturday night’s finals at the Asian Junior Championships in Taiching, with three chances for gold, but when the curtain came down on the night’s finals world’s most dominant women’s wrestling nation would be left holding a trio of silver medals.

The gold medal finals kicked off at 48kg where Chihiro SAWADA (JPN) seemed to have the upper hand on China’s Jiang ZHU (CHN) late into the second period, holding steady with a 2-0 lead and controlling the tie-ups. But the Chinese wrestler closed the distance and kept up her attacks to find a high double leg late to snag the equalizing takedown. After a scramble and challenge by Sawada the final score tallied, 4-2 in favor of Zhu.

The two nations battled again in the 55kg final with Jing LIANG (CHN) taking on Tomoha UCHIJO (JPN) in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. The match got off to a slow and defensive start, but in the second period Liang and Uchijo traded takedowns, turns and lifts for a total of three lead changes. Liang sealed the match late with a late hi-crotch and lift for two that sealed China’s second gold medal of the night.

Japan’s final hope for gold came with Misuzu ENOMOTO facing off against Aina TEMIRTASSOVA of Kazakhstan. The taller Temirtassova had spent the day throwing her opponents and off the whistle pummeled in for position. Enomoto staved off the Kazakh’s attack for the first period, but in the second Temirtassova managed to launch Enomoto for a 4-1 lead.

The Japanese middleweight fought back, striking on an outside single to make the match 4-3 heading into the final minute, but Temirtassova held strong, winning the match 5-3 and keeping Team Japan off the top of the podium.

Tsetsegbayar BYAMBADORJ (MGL) took the 72kg final over Chuchu YAN (CHN) via forfeit.

China took the team title with 73 points followed by Japan with 56 and India with 52.

Mongolia Goes One for Two in Freestyle Finals

They might have been the smallest competitors, but Nasanbuyan NARMANDAKH (MGL) and Darkhan KALKENOV (KAZ) provided giant action during the 50kg finals Saturday night in Taichung. The pair combined for more than 30 points in one of the most awe-inspiring and energetic displays of offense this year.

After six minutes of throws, trips, takedowns and reversals it was Narmandakh who would prevail 17-13.

At 120kg Khasanboy RAKHIMOV (UZB) cemented his position as world’s best heavyweight prospect with a crushing thirty second pin against Mongolia’s Lkhagvagerel MUNKHTUR. The Uzbek bruiser is expected to compete at the Junior World Championships this August in Finland.

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ASDEG Workshop: IF experts discuss AI and new technologies in coaching

By United World Wrestling Press

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 4) -- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies in coaching topped the agenda of last week’s ASOIF Sport Development and Education Group (ASDEG) Workshop held in Lausanne. The meeting attracted more than 60 experts representing over 30 International Federations (IFs) to gain new insights, share best practice and learn from each other.

United World Wrestling Development Director and ASDEG Chair Deqa NIAMKEY attended the two-day workshop and highlighted the importance of the Workshop when she said:

"This edition of the ASDEG Workshop offered a diverse range of relatable topics to the IFs, focusing on the transformative potential of AI through inclusive education, innovation, and tailored applications for each IF’s unique needs," Niamkey said. "The Workshop serves as a valuable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all aligned with ASOIF's overarching good governance strategy. I would like to extend my gratitude to ASOIF and their team for their remarkable efforts in organizing such initiatives that elevate our sports, and to the ASDEG for their dedication and invaluable contributions."

The annual meeting is action-oriented and the participants agreed to implement the following initiatives over the next 12 months:

- support IFs in increasing representation of Women Technical Officials and Coaches to meet IOC targets
- design a training program for executives on the strategic and economic value of sport development
- collate Return On Investment information across IFs – including trends and recommendations
- establish regular communication to facilitate cross-sport collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- equip IFs on incorporating technology in development programs and resources for education

"Embracing new technologies and AI is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the International Federations to thrive across all areas, including leadership, sports development and coaching," Stefan LJUTZKANOV, Chief Product Officer Business and Development at Sport ERP, said. "These tools hold the potential to accelerate growth, improve decision-making, and foster inclusivity within our global sports community. The key lies in identifying the gaps and proactively addressing them. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, we can enhance performance and redefine the roles of coaches, leadership, and athletes, ensuring the future of sport is both innovative and equitable."

Other sessions focused on innovations in delivering educational content to athletes and coaches, specific challenges faced by IFs in this area, IF success stories, and the certification of coach licenses to attain global recognition. Sheila Stephens DESBANS from Olympic Solidarity also joined in the Workshop to present projects and related changes for IFs in the next quadrennium.