#development

UWW unites UNAOC on #OneHumanity Campaign to promote global change

By United World Wrestling Press

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.

#WrestleZagreb

Zagreb Open 2025 Day 1 Semifinals Set

By Vinay Siwach

ZAGREB, Croatia (February 5) -- The first Ranking Series of 2025 is here. The Zagreb Open will see wrestling over four days with Freestyle starting things in 57kg, 61kg, 65kg, 70kg, 74kg and 86kg weight classes.

WATCH LIVE | LIVE MATCH ORDER | 2025 SEASON PREVIEW

13:35: The final semifinals of the session at 86kg. Zahid VALENCIA (USA) gets the better of Nathan JACKSON (USA) 12-2 and advance to the final. He will face Arsenii DZHIOEV (AZE) who blanked Trent HIDLAY (USA) 5-0.

13:25: David CARR (USA) rolls to a 12-2 win over Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN) 12-2 and will face Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) who got the better of Giorgi ELBAKIDZE (GEO).

13:15: Sina KHALILI (IRI) into the Zagreb Open final at 70kg as James GREEN (USA) pulls out of the semifinals citing an injury. He will face Kanan HEYBATOV (AZE) who defeated Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI) 10-5.

13:05: Abbas EBRAHIM (IRI) gets his gut wrench going against Erik ARUSHANIAN (UKR) to win 14-4 at 65kg. He will face Joseph MC KENNA (USA) who defeated Goga OTINASHVILI (GEO)

13:00: We just published a tribute to Mariya STADNIK (AZE) who retired on Monday after 22 years! Legend. Read it here.

12:50: The 61kg final is set and it's all-Iranian. Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) and Ibrahim KHARI (IRI) won their respective semifinals to advance. The third Iranian in the weight class, Reza MOMENI (IRI) also has a chance to win a bronze medal as he lost the semifinals to Khari.

12:40: Spencer LEE (USA) with a 6-4 win over Roman BRAVO YOUNG (MEX). He led 6-0 before allowing Young to score a stepout and a takedown but that was all. He will wrestle Bazarganov in the 57kg final.

12:35: Islam BAZARGANOV (AZE) gives a reality check of senior level wrestling to Ahora KHATERI (IRI). The Azerbaijan wrestlers rolls to a 10-0 technical superiority win over the Iranian to move to the 57kg final. 

12:30: Semifinals of the day begin now. We have 57kg wrestlers coming on the mat now.

12:22: European champion and world medalist Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) hangs on a for a 5-0 win over Aghanazar NOVRUZOV (AZE). He will wrestle in the semifinals at 74kg. 

12:12: Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN), who recently defeated Paris medalist Chermen VALIEV (ALB) in the Bundesliga, beats U20 world champion Ali REZAEI (IRI) 6-1 at 74kg. Kuramagomedov was on point in that bout.

12:00: Zahid VALENCIA (USA) gave up a couple of step outs against Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI) but got the job done with a 5-2 win at 86kg to move into the semifinals.

11:45: Two solid bouts on Mat C. Joseph MC KENNA (USA) used a good four-pointer throw and completed a 7-4 win over Ali RAHIMZADA (AZE). In the next bout, Ali KHORRAMDEL (IRI) was leading Goga OTINASHVILI (GEO) 7-0 in the first period but struggled with the pace in the second as Otinashvili came back and made the score 13-9. As Khorramdel tried a desperate four-pointer, Otinashvili pinned him

11:35: James GREEN (USA), who is back after a year and a half of retirement, wins a close one over compatriot Alec PANTELO (USA) 4-3 at 70kg. He marked his international return at the 2024 World Championships at 70kg and finished 11th.

11:25: Paris silver medalist Spencer LEE (USA) comes out and gets a 10-0 win over Luka GVINJILIA (GEO) in two minutes. He moves into the semifinals at 

11:10: Former U17 world champion and Iran's big bet at 57kg Ahora KHATERI (IRI) comes out off a hole! He was trailing 7-2 against Brandon COURTNEY (USA) with less than 30 seconds remaining but mounts a comeback and wins 7-7

11:05: Two-time Olympian and world champion Iszmail MUSZUKAJEV (HUN) with a little awkward start to the season. Up against Jarrett JACQUES (USA) in the opening round at 70kg, Muszukajev drops the bout 3-2. He lacked his speed and the conditioning is missing as well. Great win for Jacques.

10:55: Kamil KERYMOV (UKR) gave a tough fight to Paris Olympian Roman BRAVO YOUNG (MEX) at 57kg but RBY, popularly known as in the USA circuit, wins 9-6. He is on a potential clash with Spencer LEE (USA) in the semifinals

10:45: Azamat TUSKAEV (SRB) gets his typical defensive style out and hangs on for a controlled 4-0 win over Roberti DINGASHVILI (GEO) at 57kg.

10:30: Welcome to day one of the Zagreb Open! This is the first of the four Ranking Series events which will award points to the wrestlers and help in the seeding for the World Championships in September which incidentally will be held in the same Arena Zagreb.