U23 World C'ships

Szilvassy Wins Second Title, Turkey Bags Three Medals

By Taylor Miller

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland – Turkey claimed a gold and two bronze medals and Hungary’s Erik SZILVASSY won his second World championship in the first day of U23 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

2016 University World champion Szvilassy won the World title at 85 kg, defeating Ivan HUKLEK (CRO) in the finals with a 4-0 win, highlighted by a first-period throw. The Hungarian controlled the match from there for his second world title in two years.

At 75 kg, Fatih CENGIZ (TUR) put an exclamation point on an impressive tournament, picking up a decisive 5-2 win in the gold-medal finals against Gela BOLKVADZE (GEO).

The match was tied, 1-1, at the break in favor of the Turkish wrestler. He pulled away in the second period, when Bolkvadze was hit with caution and two on the edge of the mat. Cengiz went on to win a 5-2 decision.

Other medalists from Turkey include bronze medalists Murat DAG at 71 kg and Fatih BASKOY at 98 kg.

Daniel CATARAGA (MDA), a past World silver medalist, handily won the 71 kg with a 5-0 win over Grand Prix of Paris winner Robert FRITSCH (HUN).

Overall, 11 countries won medals on the first day, including Azerbaijan, China, Croatia, Finland, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Turkey.

GOLD MEDAL MATCHES
71 kg: Daniel CATARAGA (MDA) dec. Robert FRITSCH (HUN), 5-0
75 kg: Fatih CENGIZ (TUR) dec. Gela BOLKVADZE (GEO), 5-2
85 kg: Erik SZILVASSY (HUN) dec. Ivan HUKLEK (CRO), 4-0
98 kg: Aleksandr GOLOVIN (RUS) dec. Matti KUOSMANEN (FIN), 5-3

BRONZE MEDAL MATCHES
71 kg
Murat DAG (TUR) dec. Rinat AKHMEDOV (RUS), 2-1
Farshad Mirahmad BELFAKEH (IRI) dec. Riccardo Vito ABBRESCIA (ITA), 2-1

75 kg
Esen Asanov (KGZ) dec. Nasir HASANOV (AZE), 1-0
Payam Abdeh Saleh BOVEYRI PAYANI (IRI) dec. Miras BARSHYLYKOV (KAZ), 6-2

85 kg
Islam ABBASOV (AZE) dec. Gurami KHETSURIANI (GEO), 2-1
Toni Heikki Herman METSOMAEKI (FIN) won by injury default Ruslan MAHOMEDOV (UKR)

98 kg
Abudourexiti ALIMUJIANG (CHN) dec. Bopembe Arsen SYCHEV (BLR), 3-0
Fatih BASKOY (TUR) dec. Michail IOSIFIDIS (GRE), 4-2

 

#development

Italy Organizes UWW Level 3 Technical Course for Coaches

By United World Wrestling Press

CESEBATICO, Italy (February 9) -- A United World Wrestling Level 3 Technical Course for coaches was successfully organized in Cesenatico, Italy from January 5 to 9, 2026. The course was organized in collaboration with UWW and the FIJLKAM.

Organised after a international tournament, the course brought together 33 coaches from Italy and other countries, including Germany, Poland, Croatia and Ivory Coast creating a rich environment for technical exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

This tournament provided an important practical framework for the educational programme, allowing coaches to observe real competition situations, analyze match management and technical-tactical aspects, and directly link theoretical learning to high-level competitive practice.

The programme was led by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA, with practical sessions conducted by Olympic Champion and UWW expert Komeil GHASEMI. The course followed the new UWW education pathway, focusing on advanced coaching competencies for high-performance environments.

Italy

The key topics in the course included coaching philosophy and leadership, advanced planning and periodization, pedagogical situations and match analysis, technical and tactical development, safeguarding, anti-doping and athlete protection and introduction to Beach Wrestling.

Both theoretical and practical evaluations were conducted, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real coaching situations. At the conclusion of the course, all successful participants were awarded the UWW Level 3 Coaching Certificate.

"I want to thank everyone for this course, for what you did, and for how we got along together," Carmelo RICCARDO, a coach and participant said. "It was a wonderful experience and very interesting course. Thanks to the UWW and FIJLKAM for these important opportunities for growth."

The Italian Wrestling Federation provided high-quality facilities, with classrooms and training venues meeting international standards. All activities were centralized at Villaggio Accademia Cesenatico, ensuring optimal logistical conditions for both learning and training.

The course benefited from the continuous presence of national federation representatives, including the Technical and Sports Directors, as well as the participation of FIJLKAM leadership during the closing ceremony—demonstrating strong institutional commitment to coach education.

After the course, it achieved its educational and development objectives. The combination of high-level technical content, structured evaluations, international expertise, and strong human values.

The course not only strengthened the competencies of participating coaches but also reinforced Italy’s role as a key hub for wrestling education and excellence in Europe, contributing sustainably to the long-term development of the sport.

Sustainability

From a sustainability perspective, the use of the covered stadium contributed to the efficient organization of Beach Wrestling activities by optimizing existing infrastructure. By adapting a multi-purpose covered venue for Beach Wrestling sessions, the organizers limited the need for additional temporary installations, reduced logistical and environmental impact, and ensured continuity of activities regardless of weather conditions.

This approach reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable event organization through the рационal use of facilities and long-term infrastructure legacy.