#WrestleBirmingham

Commonwealth Games prove pivotal for women referees

Thursday, August 11, 2022 - 13:42 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

BIRMINGHAM, England (August 11) -- Under the leadership of Edit Dosza and Antonio Silvestri, wrestling at the 2022 Commonwealth Games broke barriers and continued to push United World Wrestling's objective to achieve gender equality. 

The two-day competition at the Games was an important stage in UWW's continued development of women officials. It was a pivotal moment in herstory, as it was the first time female referees were the majority at a wrestling competition.

Of the 21 officials in attendance, 16 female referees participated in Birmingham, seven of which have the highest category (IS). At the same time, nine were participants from the first women‘s course which was held in in Antalya earlier this year.

The Commonwealth Games were a great success for female referees and an excellent experience for everyone involved. The matches went smoothly, giving a lot of hope for the future of female referees. The Games have undoubtedly inspired future girls and women to find their path in wrestling as an official.

The next step for the female referees of the women‘s developmental program is the World Championships. Next year, the work will continue, and the schedule will be published soon.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

UWW and European University Sports Association Sign MoU

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 09:50 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

POREC, Croatia (June 2) -- United World Wrestling (UWW) and The European University Sports Association (EUSA) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations in Porec, Croatia on May 30.

The MoU was officially signed by the two presidents: UWW President Nenad LALOVIC and EUSA President Haris PAVLETIC at an official signing ceremony. The MoU marks a commitment by EUSA and UWW to cooperate to further university sport, specifically in wrestling across Europe, and to explore the possibilities of working closer together, including on the potential of EUSA Wrestling events in the future.

Both presidents expressed their pleasure to formalise the cooperation, and excitement for the future of wrestling in European university sport.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of the “Unisport HR Finals”, the finals of the Croatian University Sport competitions, and a range of UWW Wrestling events, including the Beach Wrestling World Series, which all took place in the Croatian city.

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with United World Wrestling marks an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between international sport federations and the university sport movement," EUSA President Pavletic said. "We are particularly pleased to welcome wrestling into the EUSA Combat Sport Championships starting from 2027 in La Nucia, Spain, creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete, develop, and promote the values of excellence, respect, and fair play."

The EUSA delegation was additionally represented by Vice President Aitor Canibe SANCHEZ, Secretary General / CEO  Matjaz PECOVNIK, and Director of Sports Events Liam SMITH.

About United World Wrestling:
United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of wrestling, recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Headquartered in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, UWW oversees Olympic wrestling disciplines, including Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women’s Wrestling, as well as associated styles such as Grappling, Pankration, Belt Wrestling, and Beach Wrestling. UWW works with national federations worldwide to promote, regulate, and develop the sport at all levels.

About EUSA:
EUSA organises European Universities Games and European Universities Championships across 25 sports, attracting more than 6,000 participants from over 500 universities each year. (eusa.eu)