#Grappling

Grappling: Asian Championships from June 21

By United World Wrestling Press

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (June 13) — After the European Championships and World Combat Games Qualifiers, Grappling will now move to the Asian Championships which will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The competition, to be held in both Grappling Gi and Grappling, will be played out from June 21 to 24 at the U15, U17, U20, Senior and Veterans categories.

The Beeline Arena in the country’s capital has been chosen as the venue for the continental competition.

Fans can watch the competition live on uww.org with U15, U17 and Veterans competition in Grappling on June 21 and the same age groups in action on June 22 for Grappling Gi.

June 23 will see the U20 and Seniors take the mat in Grappling before moving to Grappling Gi on June 24.

#development

ASDEC Chair Niamkey Leads Workshop on Sports Development

By United World Wrestling Press

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (May 9) -- Collaboration, innovation and open exchange was at the heart of a two-day workshop, organised by the ASOIF Sport Development and Education Commission (ASDEC) on May 5 and 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland. The meeting brought together more than 60 participants from 30 International Federations (IFs) for two days of peer exchange and practical discussion on key issues shaping the future of sport development.

Held in a collaborative and informal setting, the workshop focused on topics including coach development, officiating, National Federation support, and the evolving delivery of sport development programme.

During the workshop, Olympic Solidarity hosted roundtable discussions giving participants an opportunity to exchange feedback, ideas and perspectives on existing programmes and future collaboration opportunities.

Participant feedback strongly highlighted the value of the workshop as a trusted environment for open discussion, practical learning and networking across International Federations. Many participants - particularly first-time attendees, but also experienced delegates who had attended numerous workshops - emphasised the importance of having a collaborative and non-political space in which to share challenges, ideas and experiences openly.

ASDEC Chair Deqa NIAMKEY, Development Director at United World Wrestling, highlighted after the workshop:

"The ASDEC Workshop 2026 was a great success, offering International Federations a wide range of relevant topics, including updates on the current trends and landscape of sports business industry, participation programmes, and strategies for entering new markets," Niamkey said.

"The workshop also fostered meaningful discussions with key partners focused on the development and growth of our sports. It continues to serve as an important platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all in line with ASOIF’s broader good governance strategy."

The workshop concept is fully aligned with the third strategic pillar of the ASOIF Strategy 2026–2032, which focuses, among other priorities, on developing and modernising platforms for shared learning and adding value by addressing member priorities and sector developments.

Read More: From AI to Officiating, ASOIF Workshop Explores Future of Sport Development