#development

UWW sends experts to Hungary to run a high-performance coaching course

By United World Wrestling Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary (November 10) – The Hungarian Wrestling Federation organized the first-ever high-performance regional coaching course.  In all, 32 coaches who participated in the course from seven different countries. The course was conducted on 2-5 November with the support of the Olympic Solidarity, United World Wrestling, the Hungarian National Olympic Committee and the Hungarian Wrestling Federation. The course was held at the KIMBA Wrestling Academy which is a premiere training facility in Budapest where they recently organized an international Greco-Roman training camp with over 100 participants. “HWF was pleased to host the first-ever high-performance coach course in Budapest in our new Kozma István Wrestling Academy. Our federation is always open to new initiatives which helps us improve our skills and improve on the wrestling mat. We are thankful for UWW to allow us to hold this advanced course for our coaches and referees,” said Peter Bacsa (HUN) – UWW Bureau Member and Vice President of the Hungarian Wrestling Federation.

HUN1Attendees of the high-performance regional coaching course come together at the KIMBA Wrestling Academyduring an off-the-mat session. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

This course was conducted by several wrestling experts from around the world. 

The experts included Dr. Bahman Mirzaei (IRI) and Dr. Mario Baic (CRO) who are both members of the UWW Scientific Commission along with data expert Dr. Milorad Dokmanac. The technical experts were Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) and Zac Dominguez (USA). Leading the course programme were Vincent Aka (CIV) and Zach Errett (USA) from the UWW Development Department.  These experts led many sessions throughout the week.

The session topics included performance data analysis from the past world championships and Olympic Games, preparation and periodization of elite wrestlers, physical fitness preparation of top wrestlers, creating a system for measuring the physical preparedness of their athletes, how to transition from a successful wrestler to a successful coach, stages of complex technical/tactical development, competition manipulation and athlete safeguarding. In addition to these sessions, the coaches had practical sessions where they worked with the experts on technical skills for each style.  They also had to lead training sessions that focused on the energy and attitude of the trainer.  The course finished with collaboration among the referees.  Both groups worked side-by-side to better understand the rules and their roles. This session was led by Prof. Dr. H.Ibrahim Cicioglu (TUR). “The high-performance coaching course in Hungary was unique because it was the first time ever that coaches, referees, and recently retired athletes came together for a four-day seminar.  This course was full of specific scientific information theoretical, and practical sessions designed specifically for high-level coaches.  What was also very important during the whole process was that you could feel the interaction as most of the participants were very excited and had fun during the course,” said Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) – Olympic silver medalist.

HUN3Participants of the course break down film together. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

“The coaches that participated in the course were some of the best wrestlers in the world and recently began their coaching careers.  It was great to see them embrace the course and want to continue to improve.  By the end of the course, the coaches were working together and sharing ideas.  It was very clear to see why the Hungarian Wrestling Federation is one of the leaders in wrestling,” said Mr. Zach Errett (UWW Education Manager). “We had a very strong four-day course with excellent lecturers from their own fields such as science, education, and refereeing. Our coaches learned a lot during these days, and I hope it has opened new areas for them in their field to grow up top wrestlers for our country. Even though our wrestling culture and education are high in Hungary we learned many new things to be more professional and focused,” said Peter Bacsa. “We would like to thank all the organizers of the UWW for the opportunity to organize the UWW Level 4 coaching training in Hungary. It was educational for everyone. We will try to pass on the knowledge acquired here to as many coaches as possible. Special thanks for answering all our questions outside of the lectures. It was a great honor to spend the week with qualified professionals, Olympic and world champions,” said Bábszky Gergely (HUN) - Director of the College of the Hungarian University of Physical Education.

HUNParticipants from the Introduction to Refereeing Course pose together for a photo. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

Also, during the week, the Hungarian Wrestling Federation organized an Introduction to Refereeing Course. This was conducted by Prof. Dr. H.Ibrahim Cicioglu, a member of the UWW Referee Commission and a referee educator.  The course was conducted over three days.  During that time, the participants learned the foundations of being a great referee.  Their topics included referee team duties, evaluation of holds, referee mechanics, proper positioning and movement, and controlling the bout.  The participants also had the opportunity to referee simulated matches during their sessions to apply what they learned practically. "It was a very productive event for the high-performance coaches and referees.  Our primary goal in this course was to enable the coaches to look at the evaluation of actions and holds with the eyes of the referee and to have them have a different vision on this issue.  During the course, we received much positive feedback from the coaches that will contribute to the development of our referees," said Ibrahim Cicioglu (UWW Referee Commission).

HUN2Olympic silver medalist Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) shows a move during his time in Hungary. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

“This course was very intense, and the commitment of all the coaches and referees lives up the world rank of Hungary. Also, this course was a good opportunity for Hungary coaches and referees to work together to strengthen the Hungary Wrestling Federation,” Said Vincent Aka (UWW Development Officer and Trainer).

#WrestleHammamet

African Championships entry list

By Vinay Siwach

HAMMAMET, Tunisia (May 12) --  Next week's African Championships, set to begin on May 15 in Hammamet, Tunisia, will feature two Olympic medalists from Tokyo 2021 among its 202 registered wrestlers.

Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY) and Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) will be competing as they begin another journey to the Olympic podium. The continental championships also offers them the opportunity to bounce back from their lackluster performance at the World Championships in Belgrade, where they failed to win a medal.

World silver medalist Samar HAMZA (EGY) will also be defending her 76kg women's wrestling title she won in Morocco. Unlike Elsayed and Oborududu, Hamza has already competed this year, finishing 10th and ninth at the Zagreb Open and Ibrahim Moustafa Ranking Series events respectively.

In freestyle, Algeria is returning with all their gold medalists from 2021. It won four golds, the same as Egypt, but will hope to beat Egypt this time as the latter is returning with only two of their four gold medalists.

For Algeria, Abdelhak KHERBACHE (ALG), Chems Eddine FETAIRIA (ALG), Fateh BENFERDJALLAH (ALG) and Mohammed FARDJ (ALG) are in the line-up while Egypt only has Gamal MOHAMED (EGY) and Amr Reda HUSSEN (EGY).

Women's wrestling should have seen the return of Tokyo Olympian Odunayo ADEKUOROYE (NGR) after her marriage, but the three-time world medalist has decided to skip the tournament.

Nigeria won four gold medals last year and three of them are returning in Oborududu, Jumoke ADEKOYE (NGR) and Mercy ADEKUOROYE (NGR), Odunayo's sister who has jumped from 53kg to 57kg, a weight class frequently represented by Odunayo.

Rio Olympic bronze medalist Marwa AMRI (TUN) will also be in action at 62kg as she hopes to defend her title in front of the home crowd. For Tunisia, Khadija JLASSI (TUN) at 65kg and 
Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN) at 72kg will also be big hopes for the gold medal.

Amr Reda HUSSEN (EGY)Amr Reda HUSSEN (EGY) will defend his title at 74kg. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Freestyle

57kg
Salah KATEB (ALG)
Bofenda KALUWEKO (ANG)
Gamal MOHAMED (EGY)
Diamantino IUNA FAFE (GBS)
Mohamed CAMARA (GUI)
Davies ORIWA (KEN)
Younes LACHGAR (MAR)
John LEOPOLD (MRI)
Alexandro HAININGA (NAM)
Ebikewenimo WELSON (NGR)
Jakobo TAU (RSA)
KHALIL BARKOUTI (TUN)

61kg
Abdelhak KHERBACHE (ALG)
Filipe SEBASTIAO (ANG)
Yanisse MADI (COM)
Shehabeldin MOHAMED (EGY)
Kenneth KOECH (KEN)
Yassine JAA (MAR)
Seitonkumo RICHARD (NGR)
Ibrahim BUNDUKA (SLE)
Firas KHALIFA (TUN)

65kg
Zohier IFTENE (ALG)
Omar MOURAD (EGY)
Simon WAINAINA (KEN)
Levi NYONGESA (KEN)
Otmane EL BAHJA (MAR)
Frederik NORTJE (RSA)
Farouk JELASSI (TUN)

70kg
Yahia El Hadi GACEM (ALG)
Armando NTOYA (ANG)
Anthony WESLEY (CPV)
Said ELGAHSH (EGY)
Julio TCHAMI (GBS)
Brian OLOO (KEN)
Abdelwahad BADRI (MAR)
Pieter ROETS (RSA)
Sylvio DIATTA (SEN)
Mamudu MARAH (SLE)
Mohamed ZORGUI (TUN)
Rodgers MUKYEDA (UGA)

74kg
Abdelkader IKKAL (ALG)
Amr Reda HUSSEN (EGY)
Bacar NDUM (GBS)
Mathayo MAHABILA (KEN)
Yassine FARAJ (MAR)
Arno VAN ZIJL (RSA)
Mamadou DIOUF (SEN)
Mohamed BEN JAAFAR (TUN)
Jamal ABDUL (UGA)

79kg
Chems Eddine FETAIRIA (ALG)
Francisco de Deus KADIMA (ANG)
Matteo Alcidio Louis MONTEIRO FURTADO TRESSE (CPV)
Ahmed MAHMOUD (EGY)
Caetano Antonio SA (GBS)
Sofiane PADIOU BELMIR (MAR)
Ebikeme NEWLIFE (NGR)
Johannes HATTINGH (RSA)
Kaireddine BEN TELILI (TUN)
Ivan MASAKWE (UGA)

86kg
Fateh BENFERDJALLAH (ALG)
Roberto NSANGUA (ANG)
Saifeldin ELKOUMY (EGY)
Mark ONGUYESI (KEN)
Roman MANITRA RAHARISON (MAD)
Adil JORF (MAR)
Jean MARIANNE (MRI)
Edward LESSING (RSA)
Sabri MNASRIA (TUN)

92kg
Mohammed FARDJ (ALG)
Artunes PEDRO (ANG)
Mahmoud IBRAHIM (EGY)
Dan CHEPTAI (KEN)
Wadii OUALAL (MAR)
Machiel GROBLER (RSA)
Imed KADDIDI (TUN)

97kg
Mohamed MOSTEFAOUI (ALG)
Mostafa ELDERS (EGY)
John OMONDI (KEN)
Oussama ASSAD (MAR)
Nicolaas DE LANGE (RSA)
Mohamed SAADAOUI (TUN)

125kg
Abderrahmane BENACHA (ALG)
Diaaeldin ABDELMOTTALEB (EGY)
Joel TUKAI (KEN)
Anas LAMKABBER (MAR)
Hamza RAHMANI (TUN)

Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR)Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) is returning to competition since the World Championships. (Photo: UWW / Bayrem Ben Mrad)

Women’s Wrestling

50kg
Cheima CHEBILA (ALG)
Emma WANGILA (KEN)
Imane BOUJNANE (MAR)
Miesinnei GENESIS (NGR)
Chaima RAOUAFI (TUN)

53kg
Ibtissem DOUDOU (ALG)
Mbuka CAROLINA (ANG)
Shaimaa ABDELZAHER (EGY)
Elisa RASOANANTENAINA NOMENJANAHARY (MAD)
Wissal EL GNAOUI (MAR)
Christianah OGUNSANYA (NGR)
Abir ZARROUKI (TUN)

55kg
Achouak TEKOUK (ALG)
Zineb HASSOUNE (MAR)
Jumoke ADEKOYE (NGR)
Lobna ICHAOUI (TUN)

57kg
Rayane HOUFAF (ALG)
Louji YASSIN (EGY)
Mercy ADEKUOROYE (NGR)
Helena VAN AS (RSA)
Faten HAMMAMI (TUN)
Veronica AYO (UGA)

59kg
Chaimaa AOUISSI (ALG)
Farah HUSSEIN (EGY)
Mary NALIAKA (KEN)
Atika EL ASLA (MAR)
Siwar BOUSETA (TUN)

62kg
Mastoura SOUDANI (ALG)
Gharam ASKAR (EGY)
Fatoumata CAMARA (GUI)
Emily WANYAMA (KEN)
Zineb JAMOUS (MAR)
Esther KOLAWOLE (NGR)
Marwa AMRI (TUN)

65kg
Eunice MBURU (KEN)
Ebipatei MUGHENBOFA (NGR)
Khadija JLASSI (TUN)

68kg
Samah ABDELLATIF (EGY)
Winrose ALIVISA (KEN)
Jessy ANDRIANANTOANDRO (MAD)
Nassma ESSATOURI (MAR)
Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR)
Nour JELJELI (TUN)

72kg
Menatalla BADRAN (EGY)
Ebi BIOGOS (NGR)
Hannah RUEBEN (NGR)
Zaineb SGHAIER (TUN)

76kg
Arianna XAVIER (CPV)
Samar HAMZA (EGY)
Anta SAMBOU (SEN)
Ranim SAIDI (TUN)

Greco-Roman 

55kg
Mohamed Yacine DRIDI (ALG)
Bofenda KALUWEKO (ANG)
Davies ORIWA (KEN)
Mouad JAHID (MAR)
Given SIKHOSANA (RSA)
Adem LAMLOUM (TUN)

60kg
Sefiane GUEZZANIA (ALG)
Fernando MATONDO (ANG)
Latuf MADI (COM)
Haithem MAHMOUD (EGY)
Kenneth KOECH (KEN)
Ismail ETTALIBI (MAR)
Romio GOLIATH (NAM)
Riehan BOTHA (RSA)
Ibrahim BUNDUKA (SLE)
Mohamed HKIRI (TUN)

63kg
Abdeldjebar DJEBBARI (ALG)
Reginaldo da SILVA (ANG)
Ahmed BAGHDOUDA (EGY)
Simon WAINAINA (KEN)
Yassine JAA (MAR)
Oussama NASR (TUN)

67kg
Ishak GHAIOU (ALG)
Mohamed ELSAYED (EGY)
Levi NYONGESA (KEN)
Bilal EL BAHJA (MAR)
Franscoies DU TOIT (RSA)
Mohamed BEN ALI (TUN)

72kg
Abdelmalek MERABET (ALG)
Armando NTOYA (ANG)
Yehia ABDELKADER (EGY)
Gilbert KABOCHE (KEN)
Yassine FARAJ (MAR)
Radhwen TARHOUNI (TUN)

77kg
Akrem BOUDJEMLINE (ALG)
Francisco KADIMA (ANG)
Mohamed KHALIL (EGY)
Rabii REGANI (MAR)
Emmanuel NWORIE (NGR)
Sami SLAMA (TUN)

82kg
Abd OUAKALI (ALG)
Mahmoud IBRAHIM (EGY)
Herinirina ANDRIAMALALA (MAD)
Elias CHIGUER (MAR)
Solomon ULABO (NGR)
James HOLDER (RSA)
Mohamed MALHI (TUN)

87kg
Bachir SID AZARA (ALG)
Roberto NSANGUA (ANG)
Emad ABOUELATTA (EGY)
Adil JORF (MAR)
Mohamed JABRI (TUN)

97kg
Adem BOUDJEMLINE (ALG)
Mohamed GABR (EGY)
John OMONDI (KEN)
Oussama ASSAD (MAR)
Wissam KOUAINSO (MAR)
Christiaan BURGER (RSA)
Mohamed MISSAOUI (TUN)

130kg
Hichem KOUCHIT (ALG)
Abdellatif MOHAMED (EGY)
Daniel MOSETI (KEN)
Anas LAMKABBER (MAR)
Amine GUENNICHI (TUN)