#BeachWrestling

PHOTOS: Bird, Beats, Beach and Wrestling in Dakar

By Vinay Siwach

DAKAR, Senegal (June 22) -- Wrestling in Senegal? Nothing new to the country. It is the most popular sport, at least the traditional one. The stands are filled, music blaring, wrestlers are superstars in the country and people love it.

The second edition of the African Championships in Beach Wrestling traveled to Dakar, Senegal. More than 100 wrestlers entered to compete for the glory of becoming the champion of the continent.

But there is so much to wrestling in Dakar outside the two rings on the sand. The colors, music, cheering, dance and crowd are inseparable.

Obviously, there is wrestling with big throws, tackles, takedowns.

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

Wrestling remains the same. Mat, sand, mud, ice. Those throws are supreme. Here's an example.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

Once you get thrown like that, you will be covered in sand. So you need to wash it. We got water right next to the rings.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

Outside the sand rings, no one should be that serious in wrestling. No way in beach wrestling. Come on, Mouhamed BAYO (SEN).

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

We managed to convince him. Look at that flex. Thanks, Bayo!

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

The National Arena de Lutte in Dakar came prepared. The traditional Senegalese wrestling begins with the sounds of drums. There was no other way to begin during the opening ceremony at Beach Wrestling. Adding to the drums, some colors and music. Nothing better.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

At all wrestling venues, a battle ensues. It's between the wrestlers and security. Are the wrestlers more well-built or the policemen? We will let you decide.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

Back to wrestling. Do you think this is a point?

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

Thankfully, you are a referee only by looking at the screen in front of you. On the sand, our referees need to be as quick, both with their decisions and stepping away from the line of action.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Curtis

If someone mentioned a story about how a wrestler in Dakar managed a bird to sit on his head with no trouble, no one would believe that. But here you are, a wrestler in Dakar with a bird sitting on his head. Our photographer captured it so we have to believe.

 

DakarPhoto: United World Wrestling / Helena Courtis

In the end, it is about being happy after watching wrestling. These kids surely enjoyed it.

Well, if you are looking for the results from the matches, here's the link for all the results. CLICK HERE

#WrestleParis

Wrestling at 2024 Paris Olympics: Schedule, Venue, Timings, Weight Categories

By United World Wrestling Press

PARIS (July 1) -- The Olympic Games Paris 2024 begins in the French capital on July 26 and the closing ceremony is scheduled for August 11. Wrestling at Paris 2024 will run for seven days starting August 5. Out of the seven wrestling days, six will be with medal bouts.

Wrestling will be competed in 18 weight classes -- six each of Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Women's Wrestling. All the bouts will be held at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris. Women's Wrestling will be in action every day.

For all the action, news, results, and details of wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, keep a tab on uww.org, UWW+ App and follow UWW's social channels -- Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok

Wrestling's schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows

August 5

Qualification Bouts (15:00 local time): GR 60kg, 130kg and WW 68kg
Semifinals (21:00): GR 60kg, 130kg and WW 68kg

August 6

Repechage (11:00 local time): GR 60kg, 130kg and WW 68kg
Qualification Bouts (~11:30 local time): GR 77kg, 97kg and WW 50kg
Semifinals (18:15 local time):  GR 77kg, 97kg and WW 50kg
Medal Bouts (19:30 local time):  GR 60kg, 130kg and WW 68kg

August 7

Repechage (11:00 local time): GR 77kg, 97kg and WW 50kg
Qualification Bouts (~11:30 local time): 67kg, 87kg and WW 53kg
Semifinals (18:15 local time): 67kg, 87kg and WW 53kg
Medal Bouts (19:30 local time): GR 77kg, 97kg and WW 50kg

August 8

Repechage (11:00 local time): GR 67kg, 87kg and WW 53kg
Qualification Bouts (~11:30 local time): FS 57kg, 86kg and WW 57kg
Semifinals (18:15 local time): FS 57kg, 86kg and WW 57kg
Medal Bouts (19:30 local time): GR 67kg, 87kg and WW 53kg

August 9

Repechage (11:00 local time): FS 57kg, 86kg and WW 57kg
Qualification Bouts (~11:30 local time): FS 74kg, 125kg and WW 62kg
Semifinals (18:15 local time): FS 74kg, 125kg and WW 62kg
Medal Bouts (19:30 local time): FS 57kg, 86kg and WW 57kg

August 10

Repechage (11:00 local time): FS 74kg, 125kg and WW 62kg
Qualification Bouts (~11:30 local time): FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 76kg
Semifinals (18:15 local time): FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 76kg
Medal Bouts (19:30 local time): FS 74kg, 125kg and WW 62kg

August 11

Repechage (11:00 local time): FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 76kg
Medal Bouts (12:00 local time): FS 65kg, 97kg and WW 76kg