#WrestleBucharest

European Championships WW 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg semis set

By United World Wrestling Press

BUCHAREST, Romania (February 15) -- The fourth day of the European Championships will be all about women's wrestling as five weight classes will be in action -- 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg and 72kg.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | DAY 3 REPORT

Semifinals for the evening session

53kg
Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (AIN) vs. Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE)
Sztalvira ORSUS (HUN) vs. Jonna MALMGREN (SWE)

57kg
Anhelina LYSAK (POL) vs. Iryna KURACHKINA (AIN)
Solomiia VYNNYK (UKR) vs. Evelina NIKOLOVA (BUL)

62kg
Grace BULLEN (NOR) vs. Veranika IVANOVA (AIN)
Luisa NIEMESCH (GER) vs. Johanna LINDBORG (SWE)

65kg
Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU) vs. Irina RINGACI (MDA)
Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) vs. Elis MANOLOVA (AZE)

72kg
Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL) vs. Nesrin BAS (TUR)
Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) vs. Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR)

12:50: Never a disappointing moment when these two wrestle! Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) gets Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) in the quarterfinals at 53kg. Yetgil takes a 4-2 lead but Malmgren thunders back and pins Yetgil.

12:35: Irina RINGACI (MDA) had only one match in the morning session and she won 10-0 against Dinara KUDAEVA (AIN). Ringaci is looking to make amends as she won a silver medal last year.

12:20: Johanna LINDBORG (SWE) scores late in the match to beat Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL) 3-2 and advance to the semifinals at 62kg. What a huge win for Lindborg. She will take on Luisa NIEMESCH (GER)

12:10: Iryna KURACHKINA (AIN) with a fall over Russo. She had built an 8-0 lead before hitting a four and getting a fall. She will now take on Anhelina LYSAK (POL) at 57kg.

11:50: Grace BULLEN (NOR) led 4-0 at the break and then made it 14-5 before getting the fall over Birgul SOLTANOVA (AZE). Bullen is a returning silver medalist after suffering a heartbreaking loss in the 62kg final last year

11:40: Anhelina LYSAK (POL) with a 26-second fall over Irina OLOGONOVA (AIN). Lysak is one of the favorites to win the 57kg gold medal. She will face the winner of Aurora RUSSO (ITA) and Iryna KURACHKINA (AIN)

11:35: Defending champion Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) with a fall at 53kg, dashing the hopes of local Elena IONESCU (ROU). Malmgren is looking to win his third straight European title.

11:25: Sztalvira ORSUS (HUN) was trailing Liliia MALANCHUK (UKR) in their 53kg bout but she makes a comeback to beat Malanchuk 9-5.

11:20: What a match on Mat C! Olesia BEZUGLOVA (AIN) was leading 8-7 after she had scored a four-pointer on Wiktoria CHOLUJ (POL). But the Polish wrestler hits a double-leg and lifts Bezuglova and gets two points with three seconds left. Choluj wins 9-8

11:15: The mat B has seen quick results! World and Olympic bronze medalist Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) with a 47-second fall against Elma ZEIDLERE (LAT). Kateryna ZELENYKH (ROU), formerly wrestling for Ukraine, beats Taybe YUSEIN (BUL) 10-0

11:05: Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) takes out Erika BOGNAR (HUN) in the opening match at 57kg. Aliyeva is a returning silver medalist and looking to earn her first gold.

10:50: U20 world champion Aurora RUSSO (ITA) took her time but beat Anna MICHALCOVA (CZE) 5-1 and advanced at 57kg. She will face Tokyo silver medalist Iryna KURACHKINA (AIN) in the 1/8 finals.

10:30: Welcome to day four of the European Championships. Jonna MALMGREN (SWE) and Alexandra ANGHEL (ROU) will be looking to defend their titles at 53kg and 72kg. Zhala ALIYEV (AZE), Irina RINGACI (MDA), Grace BULLEN (NOR), Iryna KOLIADENKO (UKR) are wrestling as well.

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.