Development

Uruguay Wrestling Joins National Training Center Dedicated to Combat Sports

By United World Wrestling Press

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (October 8) -- For several years the Uruguay Wrestling Federation struggled to find a dedicated training venue to help develop wrestling. Shuttled from building to building in the capital city of Montevideo the team last trained in the corridors of the national stadium.

But after years of struggling for a secure place to train, the Uruguay Wrestling Federation led by president Dante STEFFANO, has finally found a home.

With valuable contribution and support of Secretaria Nacional del Deporte and Uruguay National Olympic Committee, the first ever combat training centre of Uruguay was inaugurated on the 30th September 2019. The centre includes space for the wrestling program.

In 2017 United World Wrestling contributed to the federations's initiative to launch more wrestling programs, receive wrestling mats, and launch a series of action plans to promote wrestling in schools and among the youth.

“We are doing our very best to support the development of wrestling in the Americas and the determination of the leaders of Uruguay Wrestling Federation, is an example of what can be accomplished aside the difficulties encountered," said Francisco Lee Lopez, president of UWW-Americas. "I am very happy to see such results despite the various factors faced in our continent.”

Planning has started for technical and refereeing courses which look to further contribute to the development of wrestling throughout Uruguay.

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UWW President Lalovic Meets Azerbaijan President Aliyev in Baku

By United World Wrestling Press

BAKU, Azerbaijan (July 29) -- United World Wrestling President Nenad LALOVIC met President of Azerbaijan Ilham ALIYEV on Wednesday. Baku is hosting the U17 World Championships from July 27 to August 2.

Lalovic and Aliyev discussed the success of wrestling and Lalovic emphasized that the U17 World Championship was organized at a high level. He also expressed his gratitude to Aliyev for his support and for the activities of UWW.

Azerbaijan has been one of the most successful wrestling countries and it continues to develop and hosts various events. Lalovic mentioned that UWW has had successful cooperation with the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation for organizing wrestling events.

Wrestling Nenad LALOVICNenad LALOVIC, left, with Azerbaijan President Ilham ALIYEV.

Aliyev mentioned the importance of the U17 World Championship held in Baku for the future success of young wrestlers, and noted the importance of organizing such sporting events in our country in the future.

Azerbaijan is hosting the U17 Worlds after 14 years and the 2026 edition has already created history with 675 participants, the most ever. 

During the meeting, both noted that wrestling has rich traditions in Azerbaijan, and touched upon the work being done at the state level for its development.

An exchange of views was held on issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and UWW.

The participants of the tournament praised the arrangements in Baku and gave positive reviews of the same.

Armenia's head coach Gagik KHACHATRYAN told the team that his team's experience in Baku had been positive.

"I've been a coach for many years, and nowhere have we been welcomed the way we have here," he said. "My impression of Baku is very positive. The organisation is at a very high level. Everything is well coordinated - the competitions, the logistics, the overall workflow," he said.

 

He also praised the spectators for their sportsmanship and positive attitude.

"Everyone treated us very warmly. Nobody showed any negative attitude," he said. "The fans supported fair competition and clean sport."