#Tokyo2020

Ethics Meeting, Blockchain, and Day One Draws Highlight Eve of Wrestling Competition at Tokyo 2020

By United World Wrestling Press

TOKYO (July 31) -- United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC welcomed IOC Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Pâquerette GIRARD ZAPPELLI to the sport's opening Technical Delegate meeting Saturday afternoon at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo.

Zappelli introduced herself to the audience and outlined the IOC's broad mission as a mechanism to showcase cooperation, peace, competitive spirit, and ethical behavior.
Lalovic also addressed the delegation,emphasizing the recent efforts made by the sport to ensure fair play and ethical conduct. As an example, Lalovic discussed wrestling's leadership in the utilization of Blockchain technology to ensure 100-percent random and independently verifiable draws.
 


Youssef BOUAZIZ (UWW) oversees the initiation of the Ethereum-backed Blockchain.

The technology was then used moments later to draw the brackets for the first day of the competition with brackets in Greco-Roman 130kg, Greco-Roman 60kg, and Women's Wrestling 76kg all being drawn instantly on the big screen in Hall 5 of the Makuhari Messe.

Development

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.