#development

UWW unites UNAOC on #OneHumanity Campaign to promote global change

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - 12:31 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

VEVEY, Switzerland (November 7) --- United World Wrestling (UWW) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) have joined forces to support the #OneHumanity campaign. This collaboration aims to harness the power of sports to promote social inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and peace-building efforts worldwide.

As part of their partnership, UWW and UNAOC will work together to leverage the global reach and influence of wrestling to advance the goals of the #OneHumanity campaign.

The campaign, initiated by UNAOC, focuses on fostering unity, understanding, and solidarity among diverse communities through the shared values of respect, inclusion, and equality.

By uniting their efforts, UWW and UNAOC aim to utilize wrestling as a platform to advocate for social change and create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across cultures. Through this collaboration, both organizations seek to highlight the transformative power of sports in promoting harmony and breaking down societal barriers.

The #OneHumanity campaign emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and empowering individuals to become agents of positive change. UWW's dedication to promoting inclusivity and UNAOC's commitment to intercultural dialogue align seamlessly with the campaign's core principles.

"We are thrilled to partner with United World Wrestling in promoting the #OneHumanity campaign," said Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for UNAOC. "Wrestling, with its deep-rooted history and global appeal, serves as an ideal vehicle to convey the message of unity and togetherness. Together, we can inspire individuals and communities to embrace diversity and work towards a more inclusive and peaceful world."

As part of their collaborative efforts, UWW and UNAOC will organize joint initiatives, awareness campaigns, and educational programs that highlight the values of respect, diversity, and equality. Through these activities, they aim to engage wrestling communities, athletes, coaches, and fans in promoting a culture of inclusivity and social cohesion.

"We are honored to partner with UNAOC for the #OneHumanity campaign," said Mr. Nenad LALOVIC, President of United World Wrestling. "Wrestling transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds, and we firmly believe in its power to bring people together. By collaborating with UNAOC, we can leverage wrestling's global reach to promote understanding, respect, and unity among individuals from all walks of life."

The collaboration between United World Wrestling and UNAOC for the #OneHumanity campaign is a testament to the shared commitment to harness the power of sports for social good. Together, they aim to create a lasting impact and inspire positive change within the wrestling community and beyond.

About United World Wrestling:

United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of wrestling and oversees wrestling competitions across the globe. With a commitment to promoting fair play, inclusivity, and gender equality, UWW strives to inspire athletes and contribute to the development of wrestling as a sport and a way of life.

About UNAOC:

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is a political initiative of the United Nations that works towards bridging divides and promoting understanding between cultures and religions. Through various programs and partnerships, UNAOC seeks to create a more inclusive and harmonious world by addressing issues of youth, migration, media, education, and women as agents of peace.

Esmaeili survives Jafarov shock to win ISG 2025 gold

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 18:51 By Vinay Siwach

Share this article

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (November 18) -- He needed some strong defense to win the world title and on Tuesday, Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) needed some clutch offense to beat Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE) for the second time in two one month.

Esmaeili and Jafarov clashed in the final of the 67kg weight class at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyad, Saudi Arabi and it seemed that the latter was on his way to upset the Olympic champion and avenge his loss from the World Championships final.

Down 3-3 on criteria, all seemed to be over for Esmaeili as the clock ticked down. In the last 10 seconds, Esmaeili worked on a double-arm lock and then managed to throw Jafarov in danger from standing for four points which changed the result and gave him the win.

Azerbaijan challenged the call but there was no change in the result and Esmaeili defeated Jafarov 8-3, to capture yet another gold medal this year after Asian and World Championships.

Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI)Saeid ESMAEILI (IRI) throws Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) during their 67kg bout. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

In Zagreb, Esmaeili was put in par terre for third passivity call. Jafarov, down 2-1, needed a point to turn the result but he failed to score any points as Esmaeili defended the par terre position and captured his first world title.

Jafarov blamed a lapse in concentration in the final seconds that costed him the gold medal in Riyadh.

Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI)Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI) won his fourth gold medal this year. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's other world champion from Zagreb, Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI) made it seem a little easier as he defeated former world U20 champion Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ), 6-0, winning his third gold in one month.

Farokhi, who won gold at 82kg at the World Championships, moved to 87kg for U23 World Championships and won gold without giving up a point in Novi Sad. Just two weeks later, he now gold at 87kg on Tuesday.

Against Yevloyev in the final, Farokhi was awarded both par terre position which gave him a 2-0 lead. From the second par terre, he managed to score a point as he threw Yevloyev for a stepout. The Kazakhstan wrestler was docked two points for defensive foul making it 5-0.

Kazakhstan challenged the foul call but Yevloyev had clearly blocked Farokhi using his elbow on the Iranian's face. The lost challenged made it 6-0 for Farokhi, giving him the win.

Farokhi had a tough match in semifinals against world bronze medalist Asan ZHANYSHOV (KGZ) and needed a takedown in the final minute to win 7-6, first time he has shown some difficulty winning bouts.

Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ)Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) won the 77kg gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Two other gold medals were awarded on Tuesday with former U23 world champion Alisher GANIEV (UZB) winning the 60kg one and two-time Olympic medalist Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) marking his comeback with gold medal at 77kg.

Makhmudov, who has not wrestled in a full tournament since winning bronze in Paris, was in some form as he made no mistake in his run to the gold medal. In the final, he wrestled Amir ABDI (IRI) and performed a reverse lift throw for five points before securing the fall in the second period.

Abdi got the par terre position in the first period but Makhmudov defended the position, giving only a 1-0 lead to the Iranian. When he got the par terre position, he jumped to the front before performing the lift and holding Abdi on the mat for fall.

Ganiev, who defeated European champion Nihad MAMMADLI (AZE) in the quarterfinal, defeated Ali AHMADI VAFA (IRI) in the semifinal and humbled Ekrem OZTURK (TUR), 8-0, in the final.

RESULTS

60kg
GOLD: Alisher GANIEV (UZB) df. Ekrem OZTURK (TUR), 8-0

BRONZE: Ali AHMADI VAFA (IRI) df. Nihat MAMMADLI (AZE), 3-2
BRONZE: Sajjad ALBIDHAN (IRQ) df. Fergat ABDELKRIM (ALG), 5-1

67kg
GOLD: Saeid ESMAEILI LEIVESI (IRI) df. Hasrat JAFAROV (AZE), 8-3

BRONZE: Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) df. Aref MOHAMMADI (QAT), 5-2
BRONZE: Razzak BEISHEKEEV (KGZ) df. Hassan ABDELREHIM (EGY), via fall (9-0)

77kg
GOLD: Akzhol MAKHMUDOV (KGZ) df. Amir ABDI (IRI), via fall (6-1)

BRONZE: Abdullo ALIEV (UZB) df. Ulvu GANIZADE (AZE), 2-2
BRONZE: Shahin BADAGHIMOFRAD (QAT) df. Sami SLAMA (TUN), via fall (8-1)

87kg
GOLD: Gholamreza FAROKHI (IRI) df. Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ), 6-0

BRONZE: Sid BACHIR (ALG) df. Sukhrob ABDULKHAEV (TJK), 9-0
BRONZE: Asan ZHANYSHOV (KGZ) df. Islam ABBASOV (AZE), 5-1