Development

Portugal Pursuing Olympic Solidarity Development of National Sports System

Monday, May 21, 2018 - 15:01 By Tim Foley

Share this article

LISBON (May 21) – The Portugal Wrestling Federation has been accepted into the Olympic Solidarity Development of National Sports System (DNSS) program.

The five stage plan began in February and has since completed additional phases in April and May. The fourth phase will be in September and the fifth in December. The five phases were staggered throughout the nation to help promote nationwide participation in the sport. The final plans call for unified education and development.

The program is being led by Luis FONTES, coach and Technical Director for the Portugal Wrestling Federation.

United World Wrestling encourages eligible National Federations to apply the program through their National Olympic Committee. The maximum amount that one National Federation could receive is 30,000 USD through the development program.

The details of this program is on our web in the development section, the link is as follow:

https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/c03en-development-of-national-sports-system.pdf

For more information, please email development@unitedworldwrestling.org

#BeachWrestling

Sakurai swaps mat for sand, wins Beach Wrestling gold

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 09:01 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

TOKYO (May 13) -- Paris Olympic champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) made a return to competition for the first time since August last year. However, it was not on the mat.

Sakurai, who won gold medal at 57kg in Paris, returned to compete in beach wrestling. She wrestled at the Japan Beach Wrestling National Team Qualifying Tournament held in Tachikawa, Tokyo on Sunday and won gold at 60kg

"It may sound strange for me to say it, but I felt that I was suited to it," Sakurai was quoted by Japan Olympic Committee.

Sakurai, who is not entered for the June 19-22 Meiji Cup, Japan's qualifying tournament for the World Championships in September, is now qualified to compete for Japan in Beach Wrestling this year.

"Since I am qualified for the international tournament, I will try to participate," she said. "I want to be number one. I'll practice on the sandy beaches of Kochi [Prefecture]."

The three-time world champion, however, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the mat soon.

"I am still practicing on the mat and when I feel like I am ready, I will be back on the mat," she said.