DNSS Program in Cambodia: Building Foundations for Wrestling Growth

Monday, December 2, 2024 - 15:16 By United World Wrestling Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (December 2) --- From July 18 to November 30, 2024, the Development of the National Sports System (DNSS) program in Cambodia marked a significant milestone for the growth of wrestling in the country. Led by UWW Educator Martin Hauck (USA), this program provided a comprehensive approach to enhancing coaching, athlete development, and refereeing in Cambodia. Through a mix of workshops, camps, and tournaments, the initiative sought to foster collaboration, education, and enthusiasm for wrestling at all levels.

During the program, more educational opportunities were created for coaches, athletes, and referees. A key highlight was a youth national tournament held during the second visit, which connected athletes and coaches from several provinces, promoting competition and collaboration. Plans were made to make this event an annual tradition, further strengthening the sport’s foundation in Cambodia.

The program objectives included observing and assessing the national team during a high-performance camp in July, educating coaches on long-term athlete development, and organizing a one-day seminar in a neighboring province to introduce wrestling games to youth. Meetings with the Cambodia Wrestling Federation leadership helped establish a roadmap for future development and in-person training sessions.

Key deliverables included:

Running camps and seminars for coaches and athletes, focusing on practical and theoretical education.
Creating a Cambodian Coaches Course Curriculum and teaching topics such as emergency action planning, practice structuring, periodization, talent identification, and connecting traditional Cambodian wrestling with Olympic styles.
Organizing a youth national tournament and camp, which saw participation from almost all provinces, showcasing significant growth on and off the mat.
Promoting communication, education, and resource-sharing platforms for ongoing development.

The DNSS program not only strengthened technical skills but also built excitement and unity within the Cambodia Wrestling Federation. With a focus on collaboration among referees, coaches, athletes, and stakeholders, this initiative laid the groundwork for sustained development and opportunities in wrestling throughout Cambodia.

The Development of National Sports System (DNSS) program, conducted in Cambodia from July 18 to November 30, 2024, marked a significant step toward developing wrestling in the country. Led by UWW Educator Martin Hauck (USA), the program aimed to address critical gaps in coaching, athlete development, and organizational structure while fostering growth and enthusiasm for the sport nationwide.

CAM Over 100 participants competed in the national youth tournament during the Development of the National Sports System (DNSS) program in Cambodia.

Program Activities and Achievements

The DNSS program implemented a range of initiatives to address these challenges and lay the groundwork for wrestling’s growth:

Youth Development and Competitions:
The program introduced a national youth tournament, drawing over 100 athletes from nearly all provinces. This event not only provided a platform for competition but also fostered excitement and collaboration among athletes, coaches, referees, parents, and stakeholders.
Coaching Education and Communication:
Coaches participated in comprehensive seminars covering emergency action planning, athlete development, periodization, video analysis, coaching females, and practice structuring. A centralized communication platform on the Cambodia Wrestling Federation website improved collaboration among coaches and clubs, helping connect rural and urban areas.
Structured Athlete Development:
New frameworks for athlete progression were introduced, enabling coaches and athletes to engage in long-term development cycles. Practical sessions during national team camps allowed coaches to apply their learning while working with athletes from across the country.
Safety and Inclusivity:
Emphasis on mental health, recovery practices, and safety protocols improved understanding and implementation of safe wrestling environments.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Meetings with the Cambodia Wrestling Federation leadership resulted in a shared vision for growth, including plans to strengthen partnerships, increase opportunities, and enhance stakeholder representation.

Key Outcomes

The program’s efforts led to several important outcomes:

Improved communication and collaboration within the wrestling community.
Significant growth in coaches’ theoretical and practical knowledge.
Increased participation and retention among athletes and coaches.
The successful execution of Cambodia’s first youth national tournament.
The identification of Coach Sotheara as a future leader for the sport.

Path to Success

The success of wrestling in Cambodia will depend on sustained education, participation, and collaboration. With improved communication, increased opportunities, and the emergence of local leaders like Coach Sotheara, the sport is well-positioned for growth. The DNSS program has laid a strong foundation, and with continued effort, wrestling in Cambodia has the potential to thrive at both national and international levels.

By fostering education, inclusivity, and passion, this program has not only addressed immediate needs but also set a vision for wrestling’s bright future in Cambodia.

#WrestleAmman

Asian Championships 2025 GR Day 2 Finals Set

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 - 08:14 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

AMMAN, Jordan (March 24) -- Asian Championships 2025 enters day two with Greco-Roman weights 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg and 130kg wrestlers on the mat. Uzbekistan won three gold medals on day one with Iran and Japan winning one each.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 1 RESULTS

97kg gold medal bout: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) vs Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN)

14:32: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN) earns a shot at the Olympic champion in the 97kg final by edging Youfang ZHANG (CHN) 3-2. The two traded stepouts with a fleeing point added on, with Nakazato's coming second to put him ahead on criteria 2-2. Nakazato gets the passivity point in the second period and opts to remain the standing position. It doesn't result in any more points for him, but neither is Zhang able to break through the Japanese wrestler's defenses.

14:25: Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI) storms into the 97kg final with a technical superiority win over NITESH (IND). He scores a takedown and then gets the par terre advantage. Nitesh defends the first attempt for gut but Saravi persists and turns, which breaks Nitesh and Saravi adds two suplexes, both for two points each.

82kg gold medal bout: Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) vs. Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI)

14:20: Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) gets a stepout and a fortunate call on a challenge to defeat former compatriot Shahin BADAGHIMOFRAD (QAT) 4-3 and advance to the 82kg final. Badaghimofrad gets the first chance at par terre, but Naghousi reverses, then receives a second point when the Qatari unsuccessfully challenges for a foul. With Naghousi up 2-1 in the second period, Badaghimofrad retakes the lead with a nice go-behind takedown. In the final seconds, Naghousi uses a slick duck under to a body lock, but has to settle for a stepout. Iran challenges for a fleeing point, and they get it! With eight seconds left, a stunned Badaghimofrad lets the time run out with no effort.

14:11: Unheralded Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) rocks defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) in the 82kg semifinal with two big throws and a fall. Satayev, leading 2-0, hit a big counter throw for four and then headlock for four. He held Yoshida on the mat and secured a first-period fall.

72kg gold medal bout: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) vs Abdullo ALIEV (UZB)

14:07: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB) assures he will improve on his bronze medal from a year ago when he defeats Issei HONNA (JPN) 6-1 to advance to the 72kg final. Aliev starts fast and hard with a takedown followed by a roll and a 2-point throw for a quick 6-0 lead. Honna picks up a point when Uzbekistan unsuccessfully challenges a possible takedown that would have ended the match. In the second period, there are no scoring chances nor passivity calls.

13:59: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) gets the par terre and then turns Ji LENG (CHN), gets the suplex for four before adding another roll to win 9-0 and enter the final at 72kg.

67kg gold medal bout: Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) vs Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ)

13:55: There was no second miracle comeback for 2023 Asian Games champion Katsuaki ENDO (JPN), who falls 5-1 to Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) in the 67kg semifinals. Beishekeev, looking to avenge a quarterfinal loss to Endo at the Asian Games, starts strong with a 4-point throw from par terre. Endo gets his chance in the second period and, although he lifts Beishekeev off the mat, he can't get the leverage for a turn. Beishekeev manages to run out the clock and earn a chance to add an Asian gold to his silver from last year and bronze in 2023.

13:50: In the Iran-Uzbekistan battle which Uzbekistan won yesterday, Iran seems to dominate it today. The 67kg semifinal between Olympic champion Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) and Nozimjon BOYKUZIEV (UZB) ends in Esmaeili winning 8-0. Esmaeili scored a takedown, added another before rolling Boykuziev for the win.

60kg gold medal bout: Se Ung RI (IRI) vs Alisher GANIEV (UZB)

13:40: Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI) defended the par terre position in the first period against Se Ung RI (PRK) in the 60kg semifinal but Ri isn't waiting for par terre advantages in the second period. He scores a takedown and then blocks a arm-throw attempt from Nasepour for another two points and leads 5-0. However, after a review among the referees, the arm-throw is scored four points for Naserpour and then a takedown for Ri who now leads 6-4. Naserpour with a deperate attempt to score but Ri circles for go-behind and wins 8-4. He will face Alisher GANIEV (UZB) in the final.

13:34: Alisher GANIEV (UZB) starts his 60kg semifinal against Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ) in good form, using a duck under for a takedown and immediately going to a gut wrench for a 4-0 lead. Ganiev gets the passivity call, and he wastes no time hitting a 2-point throw, then repeats the move. Sulaimanov, knowing it's over, doesn't resist and officially the match ends in a fall at 2:04.

Semifinals at 13:30 local time

13:18: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN) puts in the strides and works for an 8-0 win against Melis AITBEKOV (KGZ) to enter 97kg semifinal

13:18: Omar SATAYEV (KAZ) hits a pair of 4-point rolling flip throws to knock off Boseong KANG (KOR) 11-0 in the 82kg quarterfinals. That earns Satayev a final-four clash with defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN).

13:14: Two-time Asian U23 medalist and 2022 world U23 bronze medalist NITESH (IND), looking for his first senior medal, gets off to a good start, rolling Ilyas GUCHIGOV (KAZ) four times from par terre for a 9-0 victory in 1:58 and place in the 97kg semifinals.

13:12: Akyl SULAIMANOV (KGZ) chalks up a quick 4 points against Aslamjon AZIZOV (TJK) in their 60kg quarterfinal, then holds on for a 4-3 victory.

13:10: Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) gets a second chance at par terre and manages to turn Bekzat ORUNKUL UULU (KGZ), with another point tacked on for an unsuccessful challenge, for a 4-1 win and a place in the 82kg semifinals. At best, Orunkul Uulu can only aim for a second straight bronze medal

13:10: Olympic champion Mohammadhadi SARAVI (IRI), in his first competition after Paris, opens with an 8-0 technical superiority win over Amanberdi AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) and enters the semifinals at 97kg

13:04: Youfang ZHANG (CHN) blocks an attempted turn from Bekhruz BARNOEV (UZB) in par terre and wins the 97kg bout 5-1. Zhang had built a 3-1 lead from par terre in the first period.

13:03: Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ), looking to improve on his silver medal from a year ago, proves too much for NEERAJ (IND), storming to a 9-0 victory in less than two minutes in their 67kg quarterfinal.

13:00: Paris Olympic gold medalist and defending Asian champion Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) gets his campaign started at 67kg with a 10-4 win in the quarterfinals over Man Gwang SON (PRK). Esmaeili gives up an early takedown, but gets down to work, scoring a stepout and a takedown to take the lead, then adds a takedown-roll combination to go into the break leading 7-2. Esmaeili starts the second period with a stepout, before Son fights back with a takedown to cut the lead to 8-4. But Esmaeili gains another takedown before running out the clock.

12:58: World U23 champion Alisher GANIEV (UZB) breaks open a close match in the second period before securing a victory by fall over Ziyue XI (CHN) to advance to the semifinals at 60kg.

12:55: Shahin BADAGHI (QAT) gets four gut-wrenches after put in par terre to win 8-0 against RAHUL (IND) and advance at 82kg.

12:50: Likui SHI (CHN) kept defending champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) quiet in the first period of their 82kg bout with Yoshida getting only one point for par terre. However, Shi tried a bodylock but Yoshida put him on the back for two points, a turn added two more as Yoshida won 5-0.

12:48: Issei HONNA (JPN) spots Yryskeldi KHAMZAEV (KGZ) to start their 72kg quarterfinal, but hits a dazzling back suplex that sends Khazaev sailing into the air and onto his back, where Honna secures the fall.

12:47: A classic high-octane matchup is up on Mat C between Paris Olympic bronze medalist Se Ung RI (PRK) and Kaito INABA (JPN) for a place in the 60kg semifinals. Ri takes the lead by getting behind for a takedown, then gets the top in par terre. Ri adds a roll to go up 5-0. Inaba gets a pair of stepouts on each side of the break, but Ri comes roaring back with a pair of arm throws, one for 2 points and the second for 4 that is upheld on challenge. In the end, a 12-2 win for Ri.

12:42: In the final qualification-round match, Bekhruz BARNOEV (UZB) overwhelms Ibrahim FALLATAH (KSA) for a 9-0 victory to earn a spot in the 97kg quarterfinals.

12:42: Pouya NASERPOUR (IRI) builds a 6-2 lead over SUMIT (IND) in the 60kg quarterfinal and there is no more action in the second period and Naserpour is the winner as he advances to the semifinal.

12:37: The tournament gets an early Iran-Uzbekistan match-up as world U23 champion Mohammad NAGHOUSI (IRI) takes on 2024 Asian bronze medalist Mukhammadkodir RASULOV (UZB) in the qualification round at 82kg. Rasulov gets the passivity point in the first period, but can't add to his tally. In the second period, Naghousi gets his chance, and he also fails to turn his opponent. Neither can break the other's defenses the rest of the way and Naghousi advances with a 1-1 win on criteria.

12:30: Katsuaki ENDO (JPN) needs to thank his coach and the challenge as he mounts an incredible comeback from 7-0 down to stun Lei LI (CHN) in their 67kg quarterfinal and win 9-7. Li scored a stepout and then got par terre . He scored a turn to lead 4-0. A suplex was awarded four points and Endo was docked two points for foul with Li declared 10-0 winner. Japan challenged the call and on review, Li's last throw was only a two-pointer with no foul. Endo, down 6-0, got par terre in the second period, went for the grand amplitude throw to make it 7-6 and added two turns to win 9-7. Incredible bout!

12:29: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB), the other returning bronze medalist at 72kg, opens with a 2-point throw from par terre against Begmyrat NOBATOV (TKM) for a 3-0 lead. Nobotov gets his chance in the second period, but can't budge Aliev. Aliev adds a stepout and he's into the semifinals with a 4-1 win.

12:23: Returning bronze medalist Ji LENG (CHN) gets a 4-point throw from par terre in the second period and advances at 72kg with a 5-1 win over Loiqi AMIRKHONZODA (TJK).

12:21: Two-time former bronze medalist NEERAJ (IND) hangs on for a 3-1 win over Ali ALBIDHAN (IRQ) to secure a place in the last eight at 67kg.

12:15: Danial SOHRABI (IRI) had to wait on the sidelines of the mat for his 72kg quarterfinals against Kuldeep MALIK (IND) but doesn't take his time on the mat and finishes the bout 8-0. Takedown, exposure and two rolls are enough for the win.

12:14: Yuri NAKAZATO (JPN), a 2023 world U23 bronze medalist, storms to a 12-1 win over Jewoo PARK (KOR) to advance to the 97kg quarterfinals.

12:10: The 97kg bout between Eduard BABENOSHEV (TJK) and Amanberdi AGAMAMMEDOV (TKM) goes to the second period but 49 seconds in, Agamammedov wins 9-0 and enters the quarterfinals at 97kg.

12:07: Meirzhan SHERMAKHANBET (KAZ), the 2022 champion at 67kg and a former world bronze medalist, starts his campaign with an 11-5 to Minseong KWON (KOR). Shermakhanbet gets a 4-point lift-and-dump throw from par terre, but then has to spend nearly 20 seconds fighting off his back after Kwon slams him to the mat with a 4-point bear hug. Kwon is given an additional 2 points for a leg foul to lead 6-5. Kwon gets the passivity call in the second period and all but ends any chance for a comeback by adding a 4-point throw.

12:05: RAHUL (IND) battles out of a 7-point hole to defeat Habibjon ZUHUROV (TJK) 10-7 and advance at 82kg.

12:00: Another bout over in first period. Likui SHI (CHN) gets the par terre and then rolls to a 9-0 win over Toyly ORAZOV (TKM) in just over a minute at 82kg.

11:57: In a wild match at 72kg, Adilkhan SATAYEV (KAZ) trails on criteria 2-2 in the second period when he hits Yryskeldi KHAMZAEV (KGZ) with a 4-point front headlock. Khazaev fights out of near fall and reverses for 2. Kyrgyzstan challenges for a foul, but is unsuccessful, giving Satayev a 7-4 lead, only to see Khazaev bull him to the mat for a takedown, a move upheld on challenge, leaving Satayev ahead 7-7 on criteria. The instant the match resumes, Khamzaev charges Satayev straight to his back for 4 and he holds on for an 11-7 win.

11:55: SUMIT (IND) could not turn Minwoo KIM (KOR) from par terre in the first period but manages to roll to a 9-0 win and advance at 60kg.

11:49: Mat A is moving quickly! Man Gwang SON (PRK) rolls to a 9-0 win over Mcclaren Ravin MARREN (SGP) at 67kg and then former world U23 champion Katsuaki ENDO (JPN) needs only four minutes to beat Sunat ABDULLOEV (TJK) 9-0 at 67kg.

11:47: Kaito INABA (JPN), the silver medalist at 60kg a year ago in Bishkek, gets a 2-point exposure from par terre for a 3-0 lead over Bakytzhan KABDYL (KAZ), then counters an arm spin for a 2-point takedown. In the second period, he shrugs behind for 2, then ends the match by twisting Kabdyl over from the standing position for a 9-0 win.

11:45: Begmyrat NOBATOV (TKM) builds up to a 9-0 win over Ahmed M BARAHMAH (KSA) in the 72kg bout and wins via technical superiority in two minutes and five seconds.

11:40: Loiqi AMIRKHONZODA (TJK) with a headlock throw against JASON BAUCAS (PHI) and then holds Baucas in the danger position till the break as the referees calls them to return to their corners. The score is 8-0 and Amirkhonzoda is the winner.

11:38: Seyed SOHRABI (IRI) gets Iran started with an 8-0 victory over Omar AL DARAGHMEH (JOR) at 72kg that he ends just before the end of the first period.

11:36: Will we see another young Japanese with little international experience take home a gold? Issei HONNA (JPN) hits a 4-point throw and goes on to quickly defeat Yeonghun NOH (KOR) 8-0 at 72kig.

DNSS Program in Cambodia: Building Foundations for Wrestling Growth

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Asian Championships 2025 GR Day 2 Finals Set