Development

More than Medals Asia 2024 wraps up in Jordan

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 17:21 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

DEAD SEA, Jordan (July 31, 2024) - The "More than Medals Asia 2024" training camp, organized by United World Wrestling in cooperation with the Jordan Wrestling Federation, was held from June 26 to July 3, 2024, at the Grand East Hotel on the Dead Sea, Jordan. This camp aimed to provide a platform for wrestlers and coaches from various countries to come together, exchange experiences, and enhance their skills in the sport of wrestling.

Participation
A total of 35 wrestlers and coaches from six countries actively participated in the training camp. The diverse representation added to the cultural exchange and enriched the learning experience for all participants.

Training Sessions
The training sessions were expertly led by UWW Educator and two-time Olympian Hassan Madany from Egypt. His vast experience and expertise provided invaluable insights and guidance to the young athletes. Through a combination of practical drills and theoretical lessons, participants were able to enhance their skills, techniques, and understanding of wrestling, making significant progress in their development.

Antidoping Seminar
As part of the camp, an antidoping seminar was conducted by officials from the Jordan National Anti-Doping Agency (JOR NADA). The seminar aimed to raise awareness about antidoping regulations and promote clean and fair competition among the athletes. Participants gained valuable insights into the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.

Lecture on Wrestler Nutrition
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tamimi from the University of Baghdad's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences delivered a comprehensive lecture on wrestler nutrition during and after competition. Dr. Al-Tamimi, who also led the Iraqi team at the camp, shared his extensive knowledge on dietary strategies to optimize performance and recovery. The lecture provided participants with practical advice and scientific insights, equipping them with the necessary tools to manage their nutrition effectively throughout their wrestling careers.

Coach Course
Hassan Madany also conducted a comprehensive coach course, offering theoretical material from UWW coach courses. The session included discussions on training methods, athlete safety, and the quality of coaching. Coaches had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore strategies to enhance their coaching skills and better support their athletes' development.

Sightseeing Tou
Participants enjoyed a sightseeing tour to the famous Mount Nebo, the memorial of Moses. They explored the historical site and appreciated its significance. The tour included a lunch at a restaurant with a stunning view of Mount Nebo, offering a perfect blend of cultural enrichment and relaxation. Additionally, the participants had the opportunity to learn about the local history and traditions, enhancing their overall experience of Jordan's rich heritage.

Conclusion
The 2024 More than Medals Asia training camp in Jordan was a resounding success, providing invaluable experiences and learning opportunities for all participants. Participants expressed their happiness and satisfaction with the camp, noting the positive impact it had on their development and team spirit. This camp not only focused on athletic development but also on cultural exchange and personal growth.

We extend our gratitude to the Jordan Wrestling Federation for their support and cooperation in organizing this event. The success of this training camp highlights the importance of such initiatives in promoting the development of wrestling in Asia. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support and nurture young wrestling talents in the region.

 

#WrestleZagreb

Zagreb Open FS, GR Preview: Stars try to find space in Olympic weights

Thursday, January 4, 2024 - 08:08 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

ZAGREB, Croatia (January 4) -- More than 550 wrestlers will reach Zagreb for the season-opening Ranking Series event and it's no surprise that the Olympic weight classes have higher entries than the non-Olympic ones.

As the qualification for the Paris Olympics this year begins two months later, wrestlers are trying to fit in the respective Olympic weight classes for the Games in August.

That has led to two-time 92kg world champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) jump to 97kg on his return to the mat after an absence of more than a year. He last competed at the World Cup in December 2022. His debut there at 97kg ended in a loss to world champion Kyle SNYDER (USA). The two may face again as Snyder is also coming to Zagreb.

Ghasempour will have to make sure he is in peak fitness as he may have to battle with compatriot Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI) for the spot on the team.

Another former world and Olympic champion was expected to return to an Olympic weight class but Jordan BURROUGHS (USA), who last competed at 74kg internationally four years ago, pulled out Wednesday.

But the USA will still see a good representation as Jason NOLF (USA) is headed to Zagreb to challenge international stars. The challengers include Dzhabrail GADZHIEV (AZE), Georgios KOUGIOUMTSIDIS (GRE), Yones EMAMI (IRI) among others.

Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (FRA) is returning at 74kg as his ban for a doping violation is over.

Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI)Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI) will challenge world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) at 125kg. (Photo: UWW / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 125kg, Iran has sent both Amirreza MASOUMI (IRI) and world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) as it looks to finalize the team for the Olympics using international competitions. Other world medalists entered in the weight class are Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) and Mason PARRIS (USA).

As usual, the 65kg weight class will see some big names trying to upset each other. World silver medalist Sebastian RIVERA (PUR) and bronze medalist Vazgen TEVANYAN (ARM) are both entered along with former world champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI) who will look to beat Abbas EBRAHIMZADEHSAVADKOUHI (IRI) to cement his place in the Iran national team.

Other mini battles include John DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) and Joseph MCKENNA (USA). The latter defeated Diakomihalis in Taraz in November. Azerbaijan may be trying to push Ziraddin BAYRAMOV (AZE) at 65kg after Haji ALIYEV (AZE) failed to win the Olympic quota at the World Championships.

92kg world silver medalist Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) is going down to 86kg where he will also have U20 world champion Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA), 79kg world silver medalist Vladimeri GAMKRELIDZE (GEO), world bronze medalist Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ), Osman GOCEN (TUR), Zahid VALENCIA (USA) and Chandler MARSTELLER (USA).

Luis ORTA (CUB)Luis ORTA (CUB) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) are likely to meet in Zagreb again. The bout will be a rematch of the World Championships final at 67kg. (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Greco-Roman

A World Championships final rematch is on the cards at 67kg as world champion Luis ORTA (CUB) and Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) are entered. But the weight class also has HUSIYUETU (CHN) who defeated Orta twice last year, Tokyo bronze medalist Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY), Danial SOHRABI (IRI), former world champion Sebastian NAD (SRB) and Tokyo silver medalist Parviz NASIBOV (UKR).

The 87kg will also see some big names as Islam ABBASOV (AZE) and 82kg world champion Rafig HUSEYNOV (AZE) challenge for that one spot on the Azerbaijan team. Former world silver medalist Kiryl MASKEVICH (AIN) is also entered.

Hungary has decided to go with Istvan TAKACS (HUN) and joint-world champion David LOSONCZI (HUN) while Iran is sending Alireza MOHMADIPIANI (IRI). Marcel STERKENBURG (NED), Exauce MUKUBU (NOR) and Milad ALIRZAEV (AIN) can challenge the big names.

Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR)Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR), a regular at 82kg, is going down to the Olympic weight class of 77kg. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

Turkiye is trying to find a representative for the qualifiers at 77kg with Burhan AKBUDAK (TUR), Yunus BASAR (TUR) and Ahmet YILMAZ (TUR) entered for the competition. Basar lost in the Turkish national competition while Yilmaz won gold.

World silver medalist Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) is entered along with 72kg world champion Ibrahim GHANEM (FRA), Idris IBAEV (GER), former world silver medalist Zoltan LEVAI (HUN), Amir Ali ABDI (IRI), world bronze medalist Nao KUSAKA (JPN), former 72kg world champion Ali ARSALAN (SRB) and Kamal BEY (USA).

At 97kg, Murat LOKIAYEV (AZE) and Murad AHMADIYEV (AZE) are battling for one spot for Azerbaijan while U20 world champion Abubakar KHASLAKHANAU (AIN) and U23 world champion Pavel HLINCHUK (AIN) are also entered. Hungary is sending Tamas LEVAI (HUN) and Alex SZOKE (HUN).

World bronze medalist Artur OMAROV (CZE), Tokyo fifth-placer Arvi SAVOLAINEN (FIN), former Asian champion Mehdi BALIHAMZEHDEH (IRI) and Tyrone STERKENBURG (NED) are also in.

Like last year, Oscar PINO (CUB) will be the favorite to win the 130kg world medal as he competes alongside Sabah SHARIATI (AZE), Beka KANDELAKI (AZE), Lingzhe MENG (CHN), Fardin HEDAYATI (IRI), Sergei SEMENOV (AIN) and Adam COON (USA) among others.

At 60kg, Edmond NAZARYAN (BUL) will be looking to get back to form after a disappointing World Championships. He will be joined by Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE), world bronze medalist Liguo CAO (CHN), 55kg world silver medalist Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO), former world champion Victor CIOBANU (MDA) and Anvar ALLAKHIAROV (AIN).