Development

UWW partners with Shigakkan University to expand global wrestling training opportunities

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 16) – In a significant step towards enhancing training opportunities for athletes, coaches, and the global wrestling community, United World Wrestling has formed a strategic partnership with Shigakkan University, Japan.

Recognized as a pioneering institution in wrestling education, Shigakkan University has been home to many legendary Japanese wrestlers and has played a crucial role in the sport’s development.

The predecessor school of the university was founded in 1905, and its legacy in wrestling education traces back to Chukyo Women’s University Wrestling Club, established in 1989.

Over the years, the institution became highly regarded in the field of physical education, producing numerous Olympic medallists and world-class wrestlers. In 2010, the university was renamed Shigakkan University, opening its door as coeducational institution while continuing their mission of excellence in sports education.

At the heart of Shigakkan University’s philosophy is the principle of “Capacity Building”, which focuses on five key pillars:

  • Wellness – Promoting physical and mental well-being
  • Intellectual Insight – Encouraging academic excellence and innovation
  • Social Ability – Fostering teamwork and communication skills
  • Self-Development – Encouraging continuous personal growth
  • Effective Citizenship – Cultivating leadership and global engagement

UWW President Nenad LALOVIC expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are thrilled about this new collaboration with Shigakkan University, a prestigious institution recognized as the school of Japanese wrestling and highly respected within the global wrestling community. We are eager and excited to work with our colleagues at SUJ to contribute to the continued development of women’s wrestling worldwide.”

As part of this partnership, the UWW Development Department and Shigakkan University will work together to implement a range of high-impact initiatives, including:

  • Training camps for selected elite wrestlers, providing them with advanced technical, tactical, and physical preparation.
  • Education courses for wrestling coaches, aimed at equipping them with the latest coaching methodologies and sports science knowledge.
  • Knowledge-sharing activities, such as seminars, educational sessions, and coach exchanges, to promote continuous learning and best practices within the wrestling community.

These initiatives will play a vital role in strengthening world-class athlete preparation systems, supporting referees and coaches, and ensuring experience-sharing, particularly in the advancement of women’s wrestling.

Through this collaboration, UWW and Shigakkan University aim to elevate the sport by fostering international cooperation, enhancing training standards, and nurturing the next generation of wrestling champions.

#WrestleTirana

European Wrestling Championships 2026: Full Schedule, Where to Watch Live Streaming

By United World Wrestling Press

TIRANA, Albania (April 17) -- European Championships 2026: How and where to watch Europe's biggest wrestling event live streaming.

European Championships will kick of April 20 with Greco-Roman in Tirana, Albania and run until April 26. A total of 30 gold medals will be on the line across Freestyle, Women's Wrestling and Greco-Roman events.

Where to Watch the European Wrestling Championships 2026 Live

Live streaming of the European Wrestling Championships 2026 will be on UWW’s official website and the official UWW App. Subscribe to UWW+ to watch it live.

Download UWW+ App on Apple's App Store | Google Play Store

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European Wrestling Championships 2026 Schedule

The European Championships will be wrestled over seven day from April 20 to April 26 with Greco-Roman kicking off the event, followed by Women's Wrestling and then Freestyle.

Full Schedule:

Day 1 - April 20, Monday

Greco-Roman Qualification Rounds: 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg, 130kg - 10:30 hours
Greco-Roman Semifinals: 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg, 130kg - 18:00 hours

Day 2 - April 21, Tuesday

Greco-Roman Repechage: 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg, 130kg - 10:30 hours
Greco-Roman Qualification Rounds: 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg - 10:30 hours
Greco-Roman Semifinals: 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg - 16:45 hours
Greco-Roman Finals: 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg, 130kg - 18:00 hours

Day 3 - April 22, Wednesday

Greco-Roman Repechages: 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg - 10:30 hours
Women's Wrestling Qualification Rounds: 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg, 76kg - 10:30 hours
Women's Wrestling Semifinals: 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg, 76kg - 16:45 hours
Greco-Roman Finals: 60kg, 67kg, 72kg, 82kg, 97kg - 18:00 hours

Day 4 - April 23, Thursday

Women's Wrestling Repechage: 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg, 76kg - 10:30 hours
Women's Wrestling Qualification Rounds: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg - 10:30 hours
Women's Wrestling Semifinals: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg - 16:45 hours
Women's Wrestling Finals: 50kg, 55kg, 59kg, 68kg, 76kg - 18:00 hours

Day 5 - April 24, Friday

Women's Wrestling Repechage: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg - 10:30 hours
Freestyle Qualification Rounds: 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 79kg, 97kg - 10:30 hours
Freestyle Semifinals: 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 79kg, 97kg - 16:45 hours
Women's Wrestling Finals: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg, 72kg - 18:00 hours

Day 6 - April 25, Saturday

Freestyle Repechage: 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 79kg, 97kg - 10:30 hours
Freestyle Qualification Rounds: 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 92kg, 125kg - 10:30 hours
Freestyle Semifinals: 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 92kg, 125kg - 16:45 hours
Freestyle Finals: 57kg, 65kg, 70kg, 79kg, 97kg - 18:00 hours

Day 7 - April 26, Sunday

Freestyle Repechage: 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 92kg, 125kg - 15:00 hours onwards
Freestyle Finals: 61kg, 74kg, 86kg, 92kg, 125kg - 17:00 hours onwards

European Wrestling Championships 2026 Wrestlers and Results

Click here for the full list of wrestlers competing at the European Championships 2026 in Tirana.

European Wrestling Championships Previews

Greco-Roman | Women's Wrestling | Freestyle | Download Wrestling Photos

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