Beach wrestling

The heat is on for the titles after a first day on the sand

By United World Wrestling Press

Zagreb, Croatia, Turkey (September 7) - With the first two rounds for each weight class in the books, frequent throws and plenty of action in the wrestling circle in Zagreb’s Jarun Center, the stage is set for thrilling matches on sand tomorrow as many of the favourites proved to be in prime shape.

 On an overcast first day, it was the overall leaders in all men’s categories who won both their matches in dominant style. 

A close fight for the final can be expected in the 70kg category as Levan Kelekhsashvili (GEO), as well as overall runner-up Semen Radulov (UKR), didn’t disappoint and won both of today’s matches without conceding a point. 

 

 

Georgia’s Davit Khutsishvili came to Zagreb as the leader at 80kg and he won both matches in impressive fashion; the first one by superiority against his direct opponent for the Kings of the Beach title, Georgios Koulouchidis from Greece. The Greek won his second battle against Slovenia’s Timotej Trbulin in the same manner.

 

Dato Marsagishvili (GEO) also went undefeated today in the 90kg class and is eying his first Beach Wrestling World Championships title on Sunday.

 Odessa winner Oyan Nazariani from Azerbaijan picked up where he left off in the Ukraine and cruised past both his opponents in the heavyweights to earn the applause from the spectators on the stands.

 In the women’s 60kg category Camila Fama Tristao from Brazil is a star in the making at 60kg, and she’ll be looking to take home her first Beach Wrestling world title after winning both her fights on day 1 without being scored against. 

 All eyes will be on Ukraine’s Anna Mazurkevych in the final as she dominated at 70kg with two fast wins while the current Series leader in this category, Sonia Maria Pereira Brazio from Brazil, lost twice. 

 

 

The fastest win of the day in this weight class went to Diana Mary Betanzo from the United States when she defeated Sara Trbulin (SLO) in eight seconds.

 In the 50kg class Kristal Kimberly Betanzo was a force like her mother at 70kg, winning her fight in the first attack. Tomorrow she’ll face Ukraine’s Kateryna Mashkevych for the individual win on Croatian soil.

 Expect intense competitions with the action coming thicker and faster on day 2. Action will start 1pm GMT on Sunday, don’t miss the live stream on FloWrestling.org when the Kings and Queens of the beach will receive their world championship honours.

 Fans and athletes can also follow the Beach Wrestling World Series on InstagramFacebookYouTube, and Twitter.

 Match by match results can be found here.

 

#development, #Anti-Doping

UWW, ITA deliver anti-doping education at World Championships camp

By United World Wrestling Press

POREC, Croatia (September 11) -- The United World Wrestling recently hosted a successful on-site Anti-Doping education event in collaboration with the International Testing Agency at the World Championships acclimatization camp in Poreč.

This marked the first time UWW partnered with ITA to deliver education directly at a training camp. A dedicated booth was set up on September 8 and 9 during the camp, and presentation sessions, led by ITA educator Anita HARTUNG, were held during the evenings of both days.

"The camp offered a great opportunity to connect with athletes ahead of their major competition," Hartung said. "Many stopped by the Clean Sport booth before and after training, showing genuine interest and openness in discussing the fundamentals of Anti-Doping.

"It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a motivated athlete community and support them in their sporting journey."

The sessions provided athletes with in-depth knowledge about Anti-Doping rules, safe supplement use, and ethical sporting practices.

Two dedicated presentation sessions explored key topics, including athletes’ rights and responsibilities, how to check medications, Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and the risks associated with supplement use.

Holding the sessions during the acclimatization period, rather than the competition phase, allowed athletes to engage in a more relaxed environment and fully focus on learning.

CRO

"These are some of the best wrestlers in the world, and thanks to the collaboration with ITA, they are better informed,” Carlos ROY, UWW Secretary General, said. "Education on Anti-Doping protects our sport, promotes fair competition, and ensures our athletes can perform at their best with confidence."

The initiative reflects UWW’s ongoing commitment to clean sport and athlete support. By equipping wrestlers with knowledge and tools to make informed choices, UWW and ITA aim to strengthen integrity in wrestling while fostering a culture of safe and fair competition.

The Anti-Doping education sessions are part of a broader effort by UWW to provide athletes with continuous learning opportunities on the importance of competing clean, complementing existing regulations and testing programs.

With the World Championships on the horizon, these activities ensure that athletes are not only physically and technically prepared but also well-informed about Anti-Doping practices, reinforcing the values of integrity, fairness, and excellence in wrestling.