Development

United World Wrestling Announces Financial Support for Smaller Wrestling Developing Nations

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - 11:35 By UWW Development

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On the 26th of January 2021, the UWW Development Department announced the availability of Technical Assistance for smaller wrestling nations and developing countries to attend the Tokyo Summer Olympic Qualifier Tournaments.

Olympic Qualifying Tournaments & Acclimation Camps (2021)

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This financial support will help cover the costs of the international travels and accommodations for athletes to participate in the qualifiers. A maximum of 2 athletes and 1 coach per national federation will be accepted. Admitted athletes and coaches must follow all UWW sanitary protocols . All applications must be submitted by member federations via their official UWW email address to the UWW Development Department before the above-indicated deadlines.

Further details about the support will be shared with each respective continent in the coming week.

‘Due to the impact of the COVID pandemic, many federations are facing financial difficulties to support their athletes attending competitions. We know that it is crucial for these athletes to be able to attend these qualifiers, as these competitions are the only pathway for them to qualify for the Olympic Games, to have a chance to achieve their dreams,’ said  Mr Lalovic. ‘We have been investing more than 50% of our annual income in supporting various wrestling development programs and projects worldwide, and athletes continuously remain the focus of our work.’

Through our collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, the Continental Councils and other important partners, 1’255 athletes and coaches benefited from 200 UWW development activities during the 2017-2020 Olympic cycle. 

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UWW Opens Dedicated Office for Grappling, MMA, Pankration in Lausanne

Monday, July 6, 2026 - 17:15 By United World Wrestling Press

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland (July 6) -- United World Wrestling marked a significant milestone for Grappling, MMA and Pankration on Monday with the official opening of its dedicated office for the three associated styles at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The new office will serve as the operational hub for the continued development and governance of Grappling, MMA and Pankration within the UWW family.

The official opening was attended by UWW President Nenad LALOVIC, President of the UWW Committee of Associated Styles and UWW Vice President Rodica YAKSI, UWW Committee for Grappling, MMA and Pankration Vice President Adrian BAKOS, and UWW Committee for Grappling, MMA and Pankration Member Gaji GAJIYEV.

Michal BUCHEL has been appointed Head of the office and Tolegen KUMAROV, who was appointed Head of Grappling at United World Wrestling on February 21 in Baku, will also be part of the new office. He will be responsible, within the framework of the UWW Committee for Grappling, MMA and Pankration, for the strategic development of grappling worldwide.

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In the coming days, a working group will be formed and will begin implementing key projects aimed at developing these disciplines.

The main objectives set by UWW for the committee will be the systematic development of Grappling, MMA and Pankration, the unification and strengthening of international cooperation, the support of national federations, as well as the creation of new opportunities for athletes around the world.

The office for the three styles is open to constructive cooperation with all organisations that are sincerely interested in the development of these disciplines, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and the education of the younger generation.

I is important for all international, continental and national organisations developing Grappling, MMA and Pankration to build relationships based on mutual respect, open dialogue and partnership. Sport has always been a universal language that brings people together regardless of nationality, culture or political views. 

By bringing together the experience, knowledge and collective efforts of the global sports community, it’s possible to ensure the sustainable development of Grappling, MMA and Pankration, strengthen their international standing, and open a new chapter in the history of combat sports.