Anti-Doping

Russian Elkanov Suspended Four Years

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (August 30) – United World Wrestling has suspended freestyle wrestler Dmitrii ELKANOV (RUS) following violations of the organization’s anti-doping policy during the 2018 Cadet Wrestling World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

United World Wrestling issued the test July 3, 2018 and had it processed through a WADA-accredited laboratory in Seibersdorf (AUT).

Elkanov’s test indicated the presence of Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone, Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid under class S1.1A of the 2018 Prohibited List and is prohibited at all times (in and out-of-competition). According to UWW’s records, no Therapeutic Use Exemption was delivered by UWW to justify the presence of Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone in the wrestler’s system. 

A suspension of four years was imposed and will run from July 28, 2018 to July 27, 2022.

Elkanov’s gold medal in freestyle wrestling at 80kg will also be forfeited and returned. The updated medal standings are as follows:

GOLD: Rahman Mousa AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI)
SILVER: Rafayel HARUTYUNYAN (ARM)
BRONZE: Shakhbos KOMILOV (UZB)
BRONZE: Ahmet YUCEL (TUR)

 

 

2026 World Championships

Astana Announced as Replacement Host for 2026 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- Astana, Kazakhstan will host the 2026 World Championships from October 24 to November 1.

United World Wrestling Bureau met on Friday and after careful consideration of the current geopolitical situation, particularly the ongoing uncertainty and impact on international travel, it decided to change the host for the 2026 World Championships.

Manama, Bahrain was scheduled to host the World Championships as it was awarded the tournament in Zagreb last year. UWW and Bahrain released a joint statement on Friday, announcing the postponement of the same.

After successful site visits and inspections, the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation was chosen as a replacement host and Barys Arena was selected as the venue.

World Championships 2026

The announcement marks the return of the World Championships to Astana, a city which successfully hosted the 2019 World Championships. Close to 1000 wrestlers participated in 2019 edition, making it one of the most attended tournaments.

As seen in 2019, full attendance is expected at the the Barys Arena for the nine-day event.

UWW remains committed to assisting National Federations and the schedule for the 2026 World Championships in Astana will be communicated soon. For details of events, visit uww.org/events.