Coaching Course

Poland Hosts Level 1 Referee and Coaches Course

By United World Wrestling Press

CETNIEWO, Poland (July 28) -- The long journey to open up wrestling activities is underway in Poland, with the recent delivery of a national coaches and referee course last week in Cetniewo.

The course, attended by 18 coaches and referees, was organized for the national freestyle and women wrestling coaches, and club the coaches in Cetniewo. The course was initiated and fully funded by the Poland Wrestling Federation and delivered in accordance with international standards.

"We are excited to see these courses being delivered in a responsible manner," said UWW Development Director Deqa Niamkey. "This is a good sign that we will soon be able to deliver more educational programming in appropriate locations."

The course was well received by the national referees and a similar course will be delivered later this year for regional level referees and coaches. The federation says it hopes the future programming will help promote education among referees and coaches; update knowledge of referees and coaches and to bring new perspectives into wrestling coaches at national level.

The coaches course focused on the proper management of athletes and included coaching skills like communication, planning, organization, training calendars, sport psychology, and a review of the UWW Code of Ethics.

Those who completed the course received certification from the Poland Wrestling Federation.

Obituary

Japan legend Hanahara passes away at 84

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 9) -- United World Wrestling and the Japanese Wrestling Federation, with heavy hearts, announce the passing of Mr. Tsutomu HANAHARA, a revered Olympic champion who etched his name in history through his extraordinary feats in the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mr. Hanahara, at the age of 84, passed away February 5th, 2024, at approximately 23:00, succumbing to illness.

Mr. Hanahara's crowning achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he captured the hearts of a nation by defeating Angel KERESOV (BUL), clinching the 52kg Greco-Roman gold medal.

Following his career on the mat, Mr. Hanahara continued to shape the landscape of Greco-Roman wrestling in Japan, assuming the role as Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation. His leadership was instrumental in propelling the Japanese wrestling team to new heights, notably steering them at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

As a coach, Mr. Hanahara led his alma mater, Nippon Sports Science University, to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships, spanning from 1979 to 1996.

Mr. Hanahara's passion for wrestling carried over to his son and grandson. His son, Daisuke HANAHARA (JPN), finished in 11th place at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he competed in the 57kg Greco-Roman bracket. Furthermore, his grandson, Hiroto HANAHARA (JPN), clinched a 57kg freestyle bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships.

UWW and the Japan Wrestling Federation mourn the passing Mr. Hanahara and express our deepest sympathies to the Hanahara family.