#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.

#WrestleBelgrade

Explainer: How do wrestlers qualify for the Paris Olympic Games?

By Eric Olanowski

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 4) --- The path to Paris for 288 athletes will be a three stage process to determine who will wrestle for Olympic glory.

The first phase will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, at the 2023 World Championships, September 16-24th, where five quotas for the each of the 18 Olympic categories—a total of 90 quotas—will be allocated.

Wrestlers who earn a gold, silver or bronze will earn a bid. Additionally, the losers of the bronze-medal matches will wrestle in true fifth match, determining the fifth allocation in Belgrade.

Phase two is the continental qualification phase where 144 quotas handed out at the:
- Pan American Olympic Qualifier (Acapulco, Mexico, March 1-3)
- African Olympic Qualifier (Alexandria, Egypt, March 22-24)
- European Olympic Qualifier (Baku, Azerbaijan, April 4-7)
- Asian Olympic Qualifier (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, April 19-21)

The first and second place finishers at the Continental Olympic Qualifier earn an automatic bid to the Paris Olympics for their nation. 

The final stage for the Paris Olympic qualifying process comes down to Istanbul, Türkiye, for the Last Chance Qualifier, where the final 54 tickets will be booked. The gold and silver medalists and the winner of a true third match will punch their ticket to the Olympics.

Follow all the action from the World Championships, Continental Olympic Qualifiers and the Last Chance Qualifier, live on UWW+ or on, “The Home Of Wrestling,” UWW’s app.