#WrestleTokyo

With Nation's Golden Dreams in Reach, India's Ravi Remains Focused

Thursday, August 5, 2021 - 04:38 By United World Wrestling Press

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CHIBA, Japan (August 5) – When Ravi KUMAR (IND) steps on the mat tonight at the Makhuari Messe in Chiba, he'll be only the second Indian wrestler to compete for an Olympic Gold. For a nation obsessed with wrestling, the drama of the golden moment, and the pressure, builds by the hour.

And yet Kumar remained unfazed and cool under pressure now as he did in battling back from a 9-2 deficit in last night's semifinal fall over Nurislam SANAYEV (KAZ).

“I should not have conceded a huge lead against Sanayev,” he said. “I am not happy with it. I knew I could pull it off despite trailing. I was assured inside, but I should not have made it a close fight. I have some unfinished business”

Kumar will face rival Zaur UGUEV (ROC) in Thursday's final. The two last met in the semifinal at the 2019 World Championships, with the ROC athlete taking the victory, 6-4.

Ravi KumarRavi KUMAR (IND) reached the 57kg final. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

While Kumar's dominant technical superiority wins in the first and second rounds were also impressive, it was his fall over Sanayev which will be regarded as one of the most stunning comebacks in Olympics history. The young Indian wrestler led 2-1 at the end of the break, but Sanayev answered with a takedown of his own and rolled Kumar three times in a leg lace to earn the 9-2 advantage. As the pair restarted it was Kumar who immediately scored a pair of takedowns and then quickly a fall at 5:21.

The match wasn't without an additional flare of drama. As Ravi pinned Sanayev, the Kazakhstan wrestler undertook a prohibited action. The action was brought to the attention of the Technical Delegates and after review by the referee delegates, sport director and technical delegates it was concluded that the action taken was an unintentional reaction. Based on the discussion and review of the incident no disciplinary action will be taken based on the conclusion of the incident.

As always, Kumar stayed focused on Olympic gold. "Tonight I will wrestle for gold," said Kumar. "That is my goal."

#UnitedWorldWrestling

Jordan to host 2023 U20 World Championships

Friday, July 21, 2023 - 14:02 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 21) -- United World Wrestling has decided to reallocate the 2023 U20 World Championships to Amman, Jordan. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland from August 14 to 20.

Adhering to UWW's regulations, which require the organizer to ensure equal participation for all athletes, free from any discrimination based on passport or other criteria, and considering the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, UWW was compelled to find an alternative host after Poland failed to ensure the same.

UWW held an Executive Committee meeting on Friday and Amman, Jordan was approved as the new host. The Wrestling Federation of Jordan has confirmed that it will grant visas to all countries, ensuring a smooth participation process for athletes.

While the U20 World Championships will change locations, the Executive Committee approved the Polish Wrestling Federation's request to keep the World Grappling Championships in Warsaw as initially planned.

On Thursday, a new bid to host the U20 World Championships was floated by UWW, seeking a new host and it received numerous candidacies to replace Warsaw, Poland. After carefully evaluating the received candidacies, the Executive Committee approved Amman as the new host.

UWW acknowledges the inconvenience these changes may cause the National Federations. However, by retaining the exact dates of August 14-20 for the Championships, UWW hopes that the original flight tickets can be updated without any losses. UWW is prepared to extend support on a case-by-case basis for those National Federations that have already purchased tickets and added them to Athena.

All registrations already made in Athena will remain valid for the U20 World Championships in Jordan. NFs can make all necessary adjustments to their respective squads before Friday, July 28, 2023.

UWW wants to emphasize that all the decisions made were centered around the well-being of the athletes and their opportunity to participate in wrestling events worldwide. It also appreciates the understanding and cooperation during this transition.

NFs are requested to contact UWW for further questions or assistance.