Development

Hungary Announces Significant New Investment, Expansion of Wrestling Opportunities

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (October 1) -- The National Wrestling Federation of Hungary recently announced a significant financial investment in their national program aimed at increasing nationwide participation, optimizing top talent, and expanding their coaching pool.

The focus of the new initiative is the nine mat, two floor Kozma Istvan Hungarian Wrestling Academy, which will provide year-round training for wrestlers between the ages of 14-18. Selected cadet and junior wrestlers will live in a dormitory combined with the wrestling center with additional junior and U23 wrestlers visiting for national and international training camps.
 


The wrestling hall opened earlier this month, with the dormitory scheduled to open in 2022.

"This is a huge milestone. We are focused on providing a great opportunity for young wrestlers to prepare in the best conditions and continue to improve on the strong traditions and results of our nation," said UWW Bureau Member and Hungarian National Federation vice-president Peter Bacsa.

"The facility also helps us during the pandemic as we are able to train under stringent safety regulations."


The academy will also serve as an international wrestling center for Olympic Solidarity programs and regional training center aligned with the goals of United World Wrestling the International Olympic Committee.

To meet the ambitious goals of the center, the national federations has recruited three highly qualified coaches to serve. Diletta GIAMPICCOLO will serve as Hungary's first-ever full-time women's national team coach. A 2004 Olympian, Giampiccolo will oversee all age groups and work at the wrestling center. Giampiccolo is being supported by UWW and IOC Olympic Solidarity scholarship for coaches beneficiary at the WSLA programme.

Teresa Mayo Wins United World Wrestling's 'Women and Sport Award' for 2020

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 16) -- Teresa MAYO (ESP), former wrestler and current grassroots activist for the sport of wrestling in Spain, has been named the United World Wrestling "Women and Sport Award" winner for 2020.

Mayo wrestled internationally from 2001 to 2013 and currently works in the development department for the Spanish Wrestling Federation with an aim to develop scholastic programs and create a system where athletes graduate from grassroots competitions to elite international events.

She is also improving gender equality at the local level through the promotion of women’s wrestling within the federation and with partners.

"I am really thankful to the wrestling family for this award," said Mayo. "I assure you that it will highly contribute to the work we have started here in Spain to empower and improve women's wrestling."


Mayo has even won support from the Spanish government. She was recently awarded her home nation's “Women and Sport” recognition and financial contribution, which will be directed towards supporting more female national coaches. 

Mayo also attended the recent edition of the Women in Wrestling Global Forum hosted by United World Wrestling in Istanbul.