#WrestleBelgrade

Live Blog, U23 World Championships Day 4: WW 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg

By Vinay Siwach

BELGRADE, Serbia (November 4) -- Day four of the U23 World Championships and we are continuing with women's wrestling as five more weight classes are in action. Wrestlers from 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg and 72kg will try to reach the semifinal at the end of the day.

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1315: Excellent session of women's wrestling at the U23 World Championships. All five Ukraine wrestlers reach the semifinals. Russia has 3 while Turkey and Italy have 2 each. Eight other nationals have one wrestler each

1310: Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) lives up to the billing at 57kg. She pins NITIKA (IND) and enters the semifinal. She looks unstoppable here in Belgrade

1255: Othelie HOEIE (NOR) is heading to the semifinal at 57kg. She secures a victory via fall over Elvira KAMALOGLU (TUR). The Norway camp is ecstatic

1240: Nigeria brought one competitor for the women's part of the U23 Worlds and she has reached the semifinal. Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR) gives no chance to Amanda MARTINEZ (USA) and wins 11-0 at 57kg

1230: What a start for Euro U23 silver Zeynep YETGIL (TUR). She reaches the 53kg semifinals with a pin in the first period. She is looking for a second medal at the U23 Worlds after a bronze in the last edition.

1215: Aurora CAMPAGNA (ITA) marches on! She beats Emma BRUNTIL (USA) with technical superiority and reaches the semifinal here in the U23 Worlds.

1150: Alina AKOBIIA (UKR) could not have started on a better note. A huge pin to begin with against Hannah TAYLOR (CAN). She makes it look so easy

1125: A couple of upsets early here. Two-time Asian champion Divya KAKRAN (IND) falls 4-13 against Anastasiya ALPYEYEVA (UKR). She could never get her double leg attack used to get the fall. On Mat B, unheralded Kendra DACHER (FRA) beats junior world silver Lilly SCHNEIDER with technical superiority. Great technique from Dacher to block and counter Schneider

1100: Big wins for Bruntil and Paulava. On Mat B, Aurora CAMPAGNA (ITA) pins Zineb HASSOUNE (MAR) who looks in pain after that bout. Nice gesture from Campagna to check on her opponent after the win

1045: We kick off proceedings of the qualification round with Emma BRUNTIL (USA) taking on Yagmur CAKMAK (TUR). Big bout on Mat A as Tatsiana PAULAVA (BLR) takes on Ameline DOUARRE (FRA)

1030: Welcome to day four of the U23 World Championships from the Belexpocentar in Belgrade. It's a windy day here in the Serbian capital but the mats have been sanitized, the wrestlers have warmed up and we are ready for action

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.