Development

REDT in South Africa: Exchange, cooperation to grow wrestling in the region

Monday, January 6, 2025 - 14:23 By United World Wrestling Press

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PRETORIA, South Africa (January 6) -- A week full of initiatives dedicated to the regional development of wrestling took place in Pretoria from 29th to 08th December, bringing together young athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators from six countries in the region. This landmark event, organized under the REDT program launched by United World Wrestling, provided an exceptional platform for training, education, and competition opportunities for various members of the wrestling community - from athletes to coaches, officials and administrators.

With eight countries involved, this event was a full week of education as follows:

  • 29th Nov – 1st Dec - Youth Training Camp 13-15-year-olds, Talent identification with Vincent Aka and Guillermo Menendez Molina.
  • 2nd-5th Dec-Senior international training Camp - U16 years olds till seniors, Vincent Aka and Guillermo Menendes Molina.
  • 1st- 3rd Dec - UWW Level 2 Referee course with Zach Errett, UWW education Manager.
  • 6th-8th Dec - UWW Level 2 Referee course included beach wrestling with Charles Villet, UWW Educator.
  • 1st-5th Dec - UWW Level 3 Coaching course with Vincent Aka, UWW Development Officer.
  • 6th Dec - Administrators course with Deqa Niamkey, UWW Development Director.
  • 7th December - Tournament:  U17, U20 and Seniors  - FS GR WW
  • 8th December - Tournament :  Beach Wrestling  Men, Women - U17, U20 and Seniors

A National Camp for Youth: A Stepping Stone Toward Dakar 2026

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(Vincent Aka and Guillermo Menendes Molina address the Youth Wrestlers at training camp)

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(Certificates on conclusion of the Youth Camp)

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(Certificates on conclusion of the U16+ - Senior camp)

The week began with a national camp exclusively for young talents. The participants, primarily from South Africa, underwent intensive training sessions and enriching exchanges under the supervision of United World Wrestling experts. The goal was to identify and select promising young athletes, with a primary focus on preparing the best youth wrestlers to shine at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

An International Training Camp and Courses for Coaches, referees and administrators

Following this youth talent identification camp, an international training camp allowed wrestlers, from cadets to seniors, to refine their techniques. To support skill development at all levels, several specialized courses were organized:

  • Level 3 Coaching Course, led by Vincent AKA, offering advanced tools for better understanding training periodization and building one's coaching philosophy.

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(Coaches and referees)

In this regard, coach Markus Dekker, head coach of the South African Wrestling Federation, underline: << this program was excellence, I got a lot of positive feedback from the participants>>.

  • Level 2 Refereeing Course, delivered by Zach Errett and Charles Villet, aimed at ensuring high-quality officiating during competitions. Initially led by Zach Errett, the course was later implemented by Charles Villet in real competition settings during the Olympic Wrestling and Beach Wrestling events at the end of the week.

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(Coaches join the referees in a technical rules course)

About the refereeing course, OKOU Timipre, a participant from Nigeria, said: <<The Programme was quite inspiring and apt. However, it will improve the technical and managerial abilities and skills of the Athletes, Coaches, Referees and Administrators in the African Continent and the World at large>>

  • Sports Administration Course, conducted in person by Déqa Niamkey and complemented by a virtual session led by Youssef Bouaziz for national federation and club administrators. Youssef was impressive and demonstrate a high expertise in ARENA by taking control of participants computers and support and guiding them to better understand and act according to difficult situations.

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(Ms. Deqa Niamkey addresses the coaches)

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(Ms. Deqa Niamkey with the RSA Tournament Administration team)

Competitions and Beach Wrestling to Wrap Up the Week

The week concluded with a grand finale featuring an Olympic wrestling tournament that showcased the talent and determination of the participants. A dedicated Beach Wrestling Day, a growing and spectacular discipline, brought the event to a close with a friendly and sporty atmosphere.

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(Wrestlers from different countries pose together for a group photo after the competition)

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(Senior women at the beach wrestling competition)

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(Namibia VS Zambia, women's beach wrestling)

11(Rules discussion at the Beach Wrestling Competition)

A Promising Regional Event

This gathering brought together participants from eight countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria (represented by a referee and a coach), Zimbabwe, Ecuador and Zambia. This diverse representation highlights the regional commitment to developing wrestling and fostering cooperation among African nations.

Merci Mulenga, President of the Zambian Wrestling Federation, appreciated the REDT and said: “From the Zambian team we would like to send our greatest gratitude to United World Wrestling for giving us the privilege to attend the Intunthuko regional camp and tournament. It is the first time we are attending such an event. I would like to express my appreciation for the good coaching session. It was very helpful and educational to not only us, who are still in the learning phase. but to others as well. On a scale of 10, I would rate my experience at 10/10 and look forward to more amazing programs of the same kind."

For her part, Jeanne-Marié Coetzer, Secretary General of the South African Wrestling Federation insists on the chance brought by the REDT: "This event provided an opportunity for neighboring countries to form a hub that allows their athletes, coaches and referees to gain international exposure and training which would otherwise be very difficult due to finances required for travel to obtain these qualifications otherwise."

The presence of Déqa Niamkey, Director of Development at United World Wrestling, inspired all the participants at this REDT event. By creating training opportunities and strengthening connections among wrestling stakeholders, the REDT laid a solid foundation for the future of the sport in Southern Africa. Participants returned home enriched and ready to share the knowledge gained, making this initiative a model for sports development across the continent.

#WrestlePontevedra

U20 Worlds: Yevloyev rises to top; Iran defends GR title

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 23:09 By Vinay Siwach

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PONTEVEDRA, Spain (September 4) -- Last year, Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ) watched Alperen BERBER (TUR) win the U20 world title from the stands. Yevloyev believed that it could have been him.

While that title in Amman was not to be, Yevloyev fulfilled his dream of becoming a U20 world champion after beating Berber in the 82kg final at the U20 Worlds in Pontevedra, Spain on Wednesday.

Berber stood no chance against Yevloyev, who took to an attacking approach from the first whistle. Yevloyev's gold along with Kazakhstan's success in other weight classes earned it second place in the team standings dominated by Iran.

With 147 points, Iran won the team title. Kazakhstan followed with 100 points while Turkiye was third with 98 points.

Yevloyev won the U20 Asians last year with a win over Yasin YAZDI (IRI) but lost to him at the U20 Worlds. He then lost his repechage bout as well to finish without a medal.

"Last year at the World Championships, I didn’t have enough time to train well because of the health issues," Yevloyev said. "I had an injury and I could not train. But this year, I’ve done a great job together with the coaches. We had enough time to prepare and show a good result."

The final was a show of how Yevloyev has improved. He got the first par terre position and he tried to turn Berber who stopped the turn and got two points. However, Yevloyev had Berber in danger position and also got two points, leading 3-2 at the break.

Berber got the par terre and a 3-3 lead in the second period but Yevloyev was happy to defend from par terre position. Berber, despite his lead, tried a double-hand-lock throw and fell on his back to give two points to Yevloyev who suplexed Berber for two more.

Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ)Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ) scores two points against Alperen BERBER (TUR) in the 82kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

"There are always mistakes that I have to improve on, but as long as I’ve reached the top of the podium today, I am satisfied with myself," he said. "I’ll keep wishing hard on the future, trying to keep winning gold medals.:

Yevloyev hails from a small village about Kokshetau and moved to a sports school in Petropavlovsk when he was in sixth grade. He is the cousin of the popular UFC fighter Mosvar EVLOEV.

"Movsar Evloev is my second cousin," he said. 

Ahmadreza MOHSEN NEZHAD (IRI)Ahmadreza MOHSEN NEZHAD (IRI) gestures after winning the U20 world gold in the 67kg weight class. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Ahmadreza MOHSEN NEZHAD (IRI) was able to repeat as U20 world champion as he won the gold medal at 67kg. Ahmadreza is the younger brother of multiple-time Asian medalist Mehdi MOHSEN NEJAD (IRI), who finished fifth at the Paris Olympics. The youngest brother, Emad Reza MOHSENNEJAD (IRI) won bronze at 80kg at the recent U17 World Championships in Amman, Jordan.

Wrestling Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ) in the final, Mohsen Nezhad stuck to the basics and controlled the center for the entire bout after scoring a takedown in the first minute of the final.

"A gold medal is much more valuable than other medals, and winning it feels amazing," Mohsen Nezhad said. "The Kazakh wrestler was very skilled, and we both fought hard. I thank God that my hand was raised as the winner."

His switch from 63kg to 67kg from the last U20 World Championships could well be the reason for a contrasting final. He won the gold medal with a 9-0 victory last year.

Talking about Mehdi, Ahmadreza said that he believes that much of his success is because of his older brother.

"My older brother is our role model, and thanks to him, we were able to come here and win medals," he said.

Mohammadmehdi GHOLAMPOUR (IRI)Servet ANGI (TUR) commits a defensive foul using his hand against Mohammadmehdi GHOLAMPOUR (IRI) in the 60kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

In contrast, the 60kg final was action-packed with Mohammadmehdi GHOLAMPOUR (IRI) winning it in just a minute and 52 seconds over Servet ANGI (TUR). Gholampour was giving the par terre position in the first period and he added a correct throw with a life. After Angi defended the second attempted lift, Gholampour went for a reverse left and got two points to lead 5-0.

Gholampour, however, asked his coaches to challenge him despite the resistance from the corner for it. It proved to be a match-ending challenge. The reverse left was scored for four points on review as it was from standing. Angi was docked for a defensive foul as well, giving two more points to Gholampour.

A surprised Gholampour celebrated even as Angi tried to make sense of the quick end of the final. This was Angi's second silver at a World Championships as he finished second at the 2021 U17 Worlds as well.

Ashot KHACHATRYAN (ARM)Ashot KHACHATRYAN (ARM) expresses his displeasure during the 72kg final against Zaur BESLEKOEV (AIN). (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

A challenge proved critical in the 72kg final as well. Ashot KHACHATRYAN (ARM) was leading 5-3 against Zaur BESLEKOEV (AIN) in the second period after scoring a four-pointer and stepout. However, he committed a singlet pull in the fifth minute of the bout for which he was penalized two points. Despite the two points, Khachatryan led 5-5 on criteria for his four-pointer.

Not realizing the criteria lead, Armenia corner challenged and by the time the coaches realized, it was already under review. A 6-5 lead gave Beslekoev a new-found energy and he defended his lead till the end of time. 

The two had a heated exchange at the end of the bout as Khachatryan expressed his displeasure. This was his second loss to Beslekoev in two months, as Beslekoev won at the U20 European Championships with an identical scoreline. In Novi Sad, Khachatryan led 4-4 when Beslekoev was penalized a point for singlet foul and trailed 5-4. Despite leading, Khachatryan attempted an arm-spin but failed to make any contact. Beslekoev got the two points for a takedown to lead 6-5.

Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR)Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR) used an arm spin to get four points against Darius KIEFER (GER) in the 97kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 97kg, Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR) became only the second U20 world champion from Ukraine in seven years after beating Darius KIEFER (GER), 6-4, in the final.

The two had met in the U20 European Championships final as well with Yakushenko winning the gold medal in Novi Sad, 1-1, getting the criteria for second par terre advantage.

But the final in Pontevedra was different with Kiefer scoring a stepout from par terre and then a takedown to lead 4-0 in the final period. However, Yakushenko used an arm spin to get a big four-point throw and a correct throw later to lead 6-4.

No wrestler was giving the par terre advantage in the second period and Yakushenko defended his 6-4 lead to win the final.

"I have only positive emotions," Yakushenko said. "Not everyone gets the chance to experience this moment. I am holding this belt and very thankful to God."

The final in Novi Sad was still fresh in Yakushenko's memory, and he was surprised by Kiefer's change in wrestling style on Wednesday.

"At the European final, the opponent didn’t know me well," he said. "He was better prepared here. He scored two points from par terre. Thankfully, they didn’t score it as a four-pointer. I immediately scored back all those points."

Ukraine won two medals in Greco-Roman at the 2024 Paris Olympics with Parviz NASIBOV (UKR) winning the silver medal at 67kg and Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) winning bronze at 87kg. Yakushenko said he was motivated to win in Pontevedra after watching the Olympics.

"I would like to congratulate our athletes," he said. "They motivated me a lot. Congratulations to Nasibov and Belebiuk for winning their Olympic medals.

df

 

RESULTS

Greco-Roman

60kg
GOLD: Mohammadmehdi GHOLAMPOUR (IRI) df. Servet ANGI (TUR), 9-0

BRONZE: Papik DZHAVADIAN (AIN) df. Tural AHMADOV (AZE), 2-0
BRONZE: Ongdassyn KHAMITOV (KAZ) df. Kohaku KANAZAWA (JPN), 9-0

67kg
GOLD: Ahmadreza MOHSEN NEZHAD (IRI) df. Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), 2-0 

BRONZE: Grair OGANESIAN (AIN) df. Rati KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO), 9-0
BRONZE: Kojiro HASEGAWA (JPN) df. Ramazan AKTAS (TUR), 8-7

72kg
GOLD: Zaur BESLEKOEV (AIN) df. Ashot KHACHATRYAN (ARM), 6-5

BRONZE: Ruslan NURULLAYEV (AZE) df. Wenhao HU (CHN), 6-5
BRONZE: Muhammed GOCMEN (TUR) df. Illia VALEUSKI (AIN), 4-3

82kg
GOLD: Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ) df. Alperen BERBER (TUR), 7-3 

BRONZE: Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) df. Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), 6-1
BRONZE: Shichang ZHENG (CHN) df. Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (AIN), via inj. def.

97kg
GOLD: Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR) df. Darius KIEFER (GER), 6-4

BRONZE: Anatolii AVERIN (AIN) df. Branko DUKIC (SRB), 7-3
BRONZE: Ahmet EREMEKTER (TUR) df. Rakhat BERZHANOV (KAZ), 5-1

Women's Wrestling Semifinals 

50kg
GOLD: Yu ZHANG (CHN) vs. Haruna MORIKAWA (JPN)

SF 1: Yu ZHANG (CHN) df. Aida KERYMOVA (UKR), 13-2
SF 2: Haruna MORIKAWA (JPN) df. Laura GANIKYZY (KAZ), via fall

55kg
GOLD: Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL) vs. Cristelle RODRIGUEZ (USA)

SF 1: Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL) df. Karina HONDA (JPN), 1-1 
SF 2: Cristelle RODRIGUEZ (USA) df. Tuba DEMIR (TUR), via fall

59kg
GOLD: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) vs. Alexis JANIAK (USA)

SF 1: Sakura ONISHI (JPN) df. Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE), 10-0
SF 2: Alexis JANIAK (USA) df. Uladzislava KUDZIN (AIN), 10-2
 
68kg
GOLD: Alina SHEVCHENKO (AIN) vs. Ayse ERKAN (TUR)

SF 1: Alina SHEVCHENKO (AIN) df. Viktoryia RADZKOVA (AIN), 5-2
SF 2: Ayse ERKAN (TUR) df. Karolina DOMASZUK (POL), 14-2

76kg
GOLD: Jyoti BERWAL (IND) vs. Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR)

SF 1: Jyoti BERWAL (IND) df. Elmira YASIN (TUR), 7-0
SF 2: Mariia ORLEVYCH (UKR) df. Chisato YOSHIDA (JPN), 5-0