Development

United World Wrestling and Partners Host “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” in South Africa

Friday, November 30, 2018 - 12:51 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (November 30) -- United World Wrestling, in partnership with Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and coordination by the South African Wrestling Federation, is hosting a “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” December 1st in Randburg South Africa.

The event has been coordinated in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We are happy to be partnered with the [OHCHR] for this event,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “Our goal is to grow the sport of wrestling and show it’s unique power to bring people together through sport. We believe that wrestling can be physical fitness and fun for all ages, but also allow for better dialogue among those who have disagreements.”

The “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” is an opportunity for kids, youth and adults in the area to participate in a variety of wrestling-related events. In addition to an Olympic style wrestling tournament there will be beach wrestling and fitness activities. There day will also feature United World Wrestling’s “Wrestle4Fun” program run by human rights champion Mpho MADI (RSA). Children up to 13 years of age are eligible to participate in the games session.

Athletes learning more about wrestling-specific conditioning and training earlier this year in Croatia (Photo: Max Rose Fyne)

Coaches and athletes interested in high-level fitness certifications will also have the chance to participate in the day’s events. United World Wrestling global supplier Suples Wrestling, led by founder Ivan Ivanov, will host a two-day certification camp allowing attendees to learn more about how to utilize equipment for wrestling-based training.

The South African Wrestling Federation, with the support of its National Olympic Committee, is hosting an Olympic Solidarity UWW Level 1 coaches course and the Introduction to Refereeing simultaneously at the event.

A #standup4humanrights exhibition will also be on site, allowing visitors to learn more about the struggle for human rights and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The “Wrestling 4 All Open Day” will be held December 1 at the Danie Van Zyl Rec Center in Newlands, Randburg South Africa.

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Bringing Asia Together: OCA-UWW Wrestling Camp Concludes in China

Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 16:14 By United World Wrestling Press

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GUANGZHOU, China (July 15) -- The 2026 Olympic Council of Asia and United World Wrestling Asian Wrestling Youth Camp and Course for Coaches concluded at the Guangzhou Polytechnic of Sports on Wednesday, bringing together 62 athletes and 30 coaches from 30 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across Asia.

Held from July 8-15, the camp also included 40 student wrestlers from the Guangzhou Polytechnic of Sports, providing additional training opportunities and a valuable platform for athletes and coaches to exchange knowledge and experience.

At the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of participation and commemorative gifts from representatives of the OCA, UWW and the Guangzhou Polytechnic of Sports.

Wrestling UWW

OCA Director of Family Relations & Development Programs Wissam TRKMANI thanked all those involved in organising the camp.

“This has been a wonderful camp and I would like to thank everyone who has made it possible," Trkmani said. "Wrestling is one of the oldest Olympic sports. It builds mental resilience, physical strength and personal discipline, providing a strong foundation for athletic development. The UWW educators have truly inspired the young athletes, and everyone worked hard to make this camp a success.”

Trkmani encouraged the athletes, aged 14 to 17, to continue pursuing their sporting ambitions and thanked the coaches for their commitment to developing young wrestlers across the continent.

Speaking on behalf of UWW, Bureau member, Olympic silver medallist and Chair of the UWW Athletes Commission Arsen JULFALAKYAN described the camp as amazing and encouraged coaches to share the knowledge and experience gained in Guangzhou with their wrestling communities at home.

Wrestling UWW

UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the importance of the camp for the future development of wrestling in Asia.

“This is the biggest youth camp we have hosted in Asia, thanks to the support of the OCA and all the National Olympic Committees and National Federations," Niamkey said. "Youth development is one of the main pillars of UWW development, and coaches are fundamental to that mission. This event not only provided an opportunity to improve technical standards but also allowed athletes to make friends and coaches to exchange experience and expertise, helping to build a stronger wrestling community across Asia.”

The camp combined athlete training sessions with a dedicated education programme for coaches, reinforcing the commitment of the OCA and UWW to developing wrestling through athlete pathways, coach education and international cooperation.