MOU, ISF, Lalovic, Signing, School Sport Federation

United World Wrestling Signs MOU with International School Sport Federation

Monday, September 11, 2017 - 13:27 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (September 11) -- United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC and International School Sports Federation president Laurent PETRYNKA of France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU to ensure the growth and control of wrestling through the ISF’s international reach. The signing took place at the 2017 Senior Wrestling World Championships hosted in Paris by the French Wrestling Federation.

“Wrestling is fortunate to have the ISF on board,” said Lalovic. “Their commitment to grow and develop youth sports worldwide will mean that our sport will reach more youths and be taught at the highest level with professional coaches and teachers”

The agreement will see United World Wrestling provide professional assistance in referee education, coaching courses and event management. The ISF will work with their members to increase the availability and quality of wrestling in schools around the world.

The partnership will also aim to create programming that will meet the ISF’s mission to educate through sport, and create meaningful partnerships with a variety of international sport federations.

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 02:19 By United World Wrestling Press

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Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.