Obituary

Japan legend Hanahara passes away at 84

Friday, February 9, 2024 - 18:39 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 9) -- United World Wrestling and the Japanese Wrestling Federation, with heavy hearts, announce the passing of Mr. Tsutomu HANAHARA, a revered Olympic champion who etched his name in history through his extraordinary feats in the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mr. Hanahara, at the age of 84, passed away February 5th, 2024, at approximately 23:00, succumbing to illness.

Mr. Hanahara's crowning achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he captured the hearts of a nation by defeating Angel KERESOV (BUL), clinching the 52kg Greco-Roman gold medal.

Following his career on the mat, Mr. Hanahara continued to shape the landscape of Greco-Roman wrestling in Japan, assuming the role as Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation. His leadership was instrumental in propelling the Japanese wrestling team to new heights, notably steering them at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

As a coach, Mr. Hanahara led his alma mater, Nippon Sports Science University, to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships, spanning from 1979 to 1996.

Mr. Hanahara's passion for wrestling carried over to his son and grandson. His son, Daisuke HANAHARA (JPN), finished in 11th place at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he competed in the 57kg Greco-Roman bracket. Furthermore, his grandson, Hiroto HANAHARA (JPN), clinched a 57kg freestyle bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships.

UWW and the Japan Wrestling Federation mourn the passing Mr. Hanahara and express our deepest sympathies to the Hanahara family.

#development

Strength Through Solidarity: Palestine, Jordan Partnership Strengthens Wrestling Development

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 19:00 By United World Wrestling Press

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AMMAN, Jordan (February 10) -- A two-week wrestling development program aimed at strengthening wrestling in Palestine concluded on January 25, marking the completion of the first phase of the Development of National Sport System (DNSS) in Wrestling framework. 

The program, held from January 11 to 25 in Amman, Jordan, brought together 17 Palestinian participants, including athletes and coaches. The initiative was organized through a partnership between Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling, with logistical and technical support from the Jordan Wrestling Federation.

The coaching course and training camp were delivered by Hassan MADANY (EGY) and Ahmed KHEDHRI (TUN), both UWW-certified educators and wrestling experts in the region.

Palestine

The training course featured a combination of classroom instruction and on-mat technical training, designed to advance coaching standards while improving wrestling performance. The program also included practical teaching sessions, during which participants learned how to introduce and teach new skills using key factors and Discovery Games, supported by continuous evaluation to monitor learning progress.

Practical training emphasized foundational wrestling skills, including stance, movement, and level transitions. Participants practiced core offensive and defensive techniques, including single-leg and double-leg takedowns, grip control, sprawls, and pinning combinations.

The program also incorporated instructional methodology workshops, where participants practiced introducing new techniques using structured teaching models and game-based learning strategies, supported by continuous performance assessments.

The theoretical component covered wrestling fundamentals, including rules, terminology and technical principles, alongside broader athlete welfare subjects such as safety protocols, risk management, safeguarding measures and anti-doping education. Other sessions also explored coaching communication strategies and methods for identifying performance indicators critical to technical development, particularly for youth and beginner athletes.

Palestine

United World Wrestling Asia Council President Mohammad AWAMLEH and Palestine Wrestling Federation President Firas DOUDIN attended the program. 

"I express my sincere appreciation to Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling for their continued support of the Olympic Development Program," Doudin said. "It plays an important role in strengthening wrestling structures in Palestine. I thank the educators for their professionalism and commitment, as well as the Jordan Wrestling Federation and the UWW Asian Council leadership for their support and cooperation."

Participants described the course as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the quality of instruction, the balance between theory and practice, and the progressive on-mat training approach.

Palestine

The execution of the program marks a crucial step in developing coaching and wrestling in Palestine, demonstrates solidarity, and reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable wrestling development worldwide.