#Anti-Doping

Iraq conducts anti-doping education program

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 16) -- At the request of the United World Wrestling, the Iraqi Wrestling Federation held a four-day anti-doping education program from August 11 to 14, 2022.

The seminar was conducted in collaboration with the Iraqi Anti-Doping Agency.

Dozens of wrestlers, across various age groups, along with coaches and athletes’ support staff attended the sessions, where they were educated about their obligations and rights as per the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

Several subjects were discussed during the sessions. The wrestlers, their coaches and support staff were made aware of the WADA’s list of prohibited substances, effective as of January 1, 2022. The prohibited list may include any substance or methods that satisfy any two of the following three criteria: if it enhances an athlete’s sporting performance; if it is an actual or potential health risk to the athlete; or if it violates the spirit of sport, as defined by the WADA Code.

The wrestlers were also educated about the consequences of doping, the testing protocols, the risks associated with nutritional supplements and therapeutic use exemptions.

Mr Shaalan Al Tamimi, the president of the Iraqi Wrestling Federation, said: “I am very satisfied with this project and we will continue this close collaboration on education with the anti-doping organization in Iraq to combat harmful conduct for our sports community.”

The four-day anti-doping program was in continuation of UWW’s quest for clean sport and an effective anti-doping education is a crucial part of it. In partnership with the WADA and the International Testing Agency, the UWW is determined to fight against doping in Wrestling (Olympic and Associated Styles) and works closely with National Wrestling Federations, National Anti-doping Agencies and National Olympic Committees.

Education is the key to preventing doping, which should be the primary objective. The UWW's anti-doping education initiative offers a comprehensive program for all stakeholders, particularly young wrestlers. National Federations, too, have a crucial role to play in educating their wrestlers. UWW encourages and supports any program they wish to set up in partnership with their National Anti-doping Agency.

#development

UWW and Inspire Institute of Sport sign MoU to advance wrestling development in India

By United World Wrestling Press

PARIS (August 27) -- United World Wrestling (UWW) and the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The MoU was signed at the Wrestling House, UWW's hospitality venue, located on a boat next to the iconic Eiffel Tower.

This strategic partnership is designed to foster collaboration and enhance the development of wrestling in India by establishing a framework for mutually beneficial programs, projects, and activities. The MoU reflects the commitment of both UWW and IIS to support elite and pre-elite wrestling athletes, as well as suitably qualified coaches in India.

IIS, a charitable trust dedicated to social development through sports, education, and health, operates a state-of-the-art high-performance training center in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. The facility meets international standards and is focused on promoting Olympic sports in India, providing young talents with the resources and training necessary to succeed.

The institute is prominent in developing wrestling, among other sports, in India. Olympic bronze medalists Bajrang PUNIA (IND) and Sakshi MALIK (IND) have been associated with it in past. Recently, IIS trainees World Championships bronze medalist ANTIM (IND) and Nisha DAHIYA (IND) wrestled at the Paris Olympics.

Nikhil PILANAGOILA (IND)Nikhil PILANAGOILA (IND), left, will compete at the U20 World Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

At the age-group level, IIS has supported U20 Asian Championships gold medalists Dhanshri FAND (IND) and NITIKA (IND). Former U20 World Championships medalist HARSHITA (IND), U17 world medalist Jaskaran SINGH (IND), U23 Asian champion RADHIKA (IND) and Nikhil YADAV (IND), who will participate in the upcoming U20 World Championships in Spain are all out of the IIS stable.

UWW's involvement in this partnership is part of its broader strategic global development plan, which aims to elevate the sport of wrestling worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting the growth of wrestling in India.

Both UWW and IIS are eager to begin this collaborative journey, confident that their joint efforts will contribute significantly to the success and international recognition of Indian wrestling. Their joint efforts will contribute significantly to the success and international recognition of Indian wrestling.