#NFRoundup

NF Roundup Blog, Feb. 22 - Feb. 28

By United World Wrestling Press

Moore Defeats Pye, Named Canada's World Olympic Qualification Rep

Alex MOORE (CAN) of the Montreal Wrestling Club defeated Clayton PYE (CAN) in two straight matches to win the 86 kg wrestle-off and earn a spot at the World Olympic Qualification Tournament.

The wrestle-off, which was closed to the public, took place at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. Moore fell behind early in the first match, trailing 0-4 at the halfway point.

“It’s been a while since I competed, it took some time getting the rust off,” said the 23-year-old.

“I got a pep talk from my coaches and got myself together. I knew I was fine, and I knew I could come back, so I didn’t panic.”

Moore went on to score six straight points to win the first match 6-4.

In the second match, Moore dominated and scored ten points quickly to win by technical superiority.

“It feels good to be back. In practice I’ve been feeling amazing, we’ve been training hard. I just need to transfer that to the tournament.”

“Now I need to go back to practice and find out how I can fix my mistakes, and keep taking it one day at a time.”

The World Olympic Qualification Tournament is the final chance for athletes to qualify for the postponed Tokyo Olympics. At the event, the top two spots in each weight-class will be awarded Olympic qualification.

“Thank you to the staff at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre for their hard work and flexibility to help make this event happen,” added Tamara Medwidsky, Wrestling Canada Lutte’s Executive Director.

1300 Iranian Wrestling Coaches Participate in Scientific Webinar

While the COVID-19 crisis has a devastating impact on the world, the Iranian Wrestling Federation found a united way to reach 1300 coaches. The IWF hosted different education webinars gears towards refereeing, women's wrestling and coaches. The courses helped educate 31 wrestling accusations in all Iranian provinces. 

Meanwhile, during the final webinar, more than 1300 coaches participated in virtual educational courses that touched on coaching principles, training science, sports nutrition and psychology

#UnitedWorldWrestling

UWW updates eligibility criteria for Russia, Belarus wrestlers

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 25) -- The United World Wrestling Bureau has decided to update the eligibility criteria for wrestlers and support staff from Russia and Belarus.

UWW had announced eligibility criteria for Russian and Belarussian wrestlers and staff in 2023. However, the Bureau met on September 24 [Tuesday], to review the same and approved the updated criteria.

For future UWW tournaments, only evidence of direct military participation in the war against Ukraine or public declarations [in written or orally] in support of the war and/or of their promoters or participants will be considered to declare an athlete as ineligible.

UWW will also re-examine all cases, according to the new criteria, that had earlier been declared ineligible.

The eligible Russian and Belarussian wrestlers and support staff will continue to compete under the neutral flag as Individual Neutral Athletes.  UWW anthem will be used for ceremonies but no reference to the flag, symbols or coat of arms of Russia and Belarus will be authorized.

The Bureau, however, did not decide on the return of international competition to Russia and Belarus.