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Japan to Dispatch Takahashi to Last-Chance Olympic Qualifier

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 - 05:54 By Ken Marantz

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TOKYO, Japan (April 13) --- The Japan Wrestling Federation plans to dispatch former world champion Yuki TAKAHASHI (JPN) to the final world Olympic qualifying tournament at freestyle style 57kg in place of Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), who missed the chance qualify Japan for the Tokyo Olympics when he failed to make weight at the recently completed Asian qualifier.

JWF general manager Shigeki NISHIGUCHI was quoted as saying on the federation website on Tuesday that Takahashi said he is prepared to take on the challenge at the last-chance qualifier, to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 6-9.

"Higuchi has to reduce much weight, and there is not much time until [the qualifying tournament, so we are considering sending Yuki Takahashi, who has achieved good results such as winning the title at the 2017 World Championships," Nishiguchi said.

Securing a berth for Japan in Sofia, however, will not automatically guarantee the place for Takahashi. According to federation rules, he will have participate in a playoff, to be held on the final day of the All-Japan Invitational Championships to be held in Tokyo on May 27-30.

Higuchi's failure to make weight was the start of a rough day for Japan, as it failed to earn any berths in the four freestyle weight classes in which it competed.

Nishiguchi said that national team technical director Kenji INOUE contacted Takahashi to confirm that he was available, and the 2020 national champion replied, "I am fully prepared."

Higuchi had moved up a weight class after winning the silver medal at 57kg at the Rio 2016 Olympics, then made an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics at 65kg.

He then dropped back down to the lightest weight class, and won the 2019 national title to earn the ticket to the Asian qualifier in Almaty. Making weight was always a struggle, and the Japan federation was left in shock when he just barely missed making weight at the weigh-in.

UWW's Event Organization Workshop heats up in Athens

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 07:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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ATHENS, Greece (July 30) -- United World Wrestling held a new edition of its Event Organization Workshop in Athens, Greece, from July 24-29.

The activity was conducted by the UWW Sports Department and took place on the sidelines of the U17 World Championships, offering participants an immersive experience to learn directly within the context of a major international event.

A total of 25 participants from 16 countries attended the workshop -- with nearly 50 percent of the attendees being women -- representing national federations and upcoming event organizers.

The attendees took part in theoretical sessions and field-based learning covering critical areas such as accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics. They also had the chance to observe the live execution of the Championships, attend the Technical Conference, and tour key competition areas.

The Local Organizing Committee played an important role in supporting the delivery of the workshop, facilitating access to venues, providing logistical coordination, and sharing their experience in hosting a major international event. Their collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

To complement the technical content, the group also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This excursion helped foster exchange and camaraderie among participants, while providing a connection to the host city’s rich heritage.

UWW
Attendees walk through accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics at the Event Organization Workshop in Athens. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The workshop was facilitated by members of the UWW team, who shared their expertise and provided hands-on guidance throughout the sessions. The collaborative format encouraged knowledge exchange and open dialogue, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the content and format of the workshop, noting its relevance and practicality. The mix of classroom instruction, real-event exposure, and networking opportunities made the experience both educational and inspiring.

This edition of the Event Organization Workshop reinforced UWW’s commitment to building local capacities and delivering high-standard wrestling events across the world. Athens 2025 once again proved the value of this initiative and the importance of continuing to invest in professional training for sport event delivery.

Ramil AHMADOV, UWW Senior Competition Manager, and Yuri MAIER, Sports & Development Officer, conducted the workshop. We were honored to have Theodoros HAMAKOS, Vice-President of UWW, award the certificates.