#development

UWW, UAE sign MoU to promote Mutaraha

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 3) -- United World Wrestling has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Wrestling Federation with the aim of promoting the development and protection of the traditional Emirati wrestling style known as Mutaraha.

The objective of this agreement is to establish a shared understanding between UWW and the UAE Wrestling Federation in order to facilitate the protection, development, and promotion of the Mutaraha style. As per the agreement, both parties will hold regular meetings to exchange ideas, share knowledge, discuss any issues or challenges, and evaluate progress.

Mutaraha is a traditional form of wrestling that has been passed down through generations in the UAE. This agreement will provide a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of UAE and promote traditional wrestling styles that have been preserved and practiced for centuries.

The UAE wants to engage the youth in Mutaraha in which the two wrestlers face each other in a circular ring on sand that is approximately six meters in diameter. The objective of the game is to force the opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet, without using any striking or kicking techniques.

The agreement will pave the way for the growth and development of wrestling in the UAE and provide opportunities for Emirati wrestlers to showcase their skills at the international level. The UWW is committed to working closely with the UAE Wrestling Federation to support the promotion and growth of Mutaraha style.

Training Camp in Vietnam

By UWW Development

The Vietnam Wrestling Federation in collaboration with a private company organized the “2022 Expanding Horizons World Camp” that took place in Hanoi, Vietnam from the 16th to 30th of June.

After an almost 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp was able to bring together 18 wrestlers (GR, FS, WW) from different countries such as; United States, Canada, Australia and the hosting nation, Vietnam. The camp combined several important areas from technical skills, nutritional knowledge, Olympic experience, social networking, cultural broadening, and aspirations and empowerment sessions to elevate the sport to new heights for the next generation of competitors.

Arsen Julfalakyan, PhD, UWW Athletes Commission Chairman and Bureau Member, Olympic Silver Medallist, World and European Champion coached the athletes throughout the camp.  He shared his knowledge as an Olympian while leading various sessions to expand the knowledge of the participants.

Aside the training sessions, the participants enjoyed several off the mat activities such as; a boat ride on the Red River Delta along the city of Ninh Binh, a visit to the Blue Dragon Foundation Orphanage, a cruise on the Halong Bay and much more to create bonding moments and share the Vietnamese culture.  

The intense training culminated in an individual/dual competition held on June 26-27, in which all young athletes were able to showcase their newly acquired knowledge and techniques on the mat.

The camp was a great success and showcased the value of diversifying collaboration, linking with a private sector is a great asset for the development of wrestling for the neediest national federations.

Camp VIE 2022