Obituary

Vadim Psarev, Hall of Fame Greco-Roman Coach, Dies at 86

By United World Wrestling Press

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (January 14) -- Legendary Greco-roman wrestling coach Vadim PSAREV passed away Saturday, January 12 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He was 86.

During his long career, Psarev coached five Olympic medalists, including three Olympic gold medals. The native Russian also coached 12 gold medalists at World Championships and World Cups. 

Psarev was recognized by United World Wrestling in 2014 with his selection to the organization's Hall of Fame. He was also awarded as an "Honored Coach of USSR" (1969) for his work with the USSR in the 40's, 50's and 60's. 

Psarev later became the head Greco-Roman coach for the Kazakhstan national team head coach and was later given the title of "Honored Coach of Kazakhstan."

A farewell ceremony for Psarev will be held on January 15 at 10am in the sports complex "Dostyk" at 48 Abay Avenue, Almaty.

Famous Wrestlers Under Psarev

Ushkempirov, Zhaksylyk (1951) - champion and medalist of the USSR Championships, medalist of the European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Bakulin Vladimir (1939–2012) - prize-winner of the USSR Championships, European and World Championships, Olympic Games prize-winner, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Detsiev Bisolt (1964) - champion of the USSR and Europe, winner of the USSR Cup and the world Cup,Asian Championship medallist.

Nazarenko Anatoly (1948) - champion and medalist of the USSR, Europe and World Championships, Olympic medalist, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Rezantsev Valery (1946) - champion of the USSR, Europe, the world, the Olympic Games, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

#development

Saudi Arabia Organises Level 1 Coaching Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia (June 28) -- A United World Wrestling Level 1 Regional Coaches Course was successfully conducted at Al-Ettifaq Club in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from May 16 to 20, 2026.

Organized by the Saudi Wrestling Federation, the five-day program brought together 36 participants, including 33 men and 3 women, representing Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The course was delivered in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, with participants developing their coaching knowledge. Both theoretical and practical sessions were held using two wrestling mats, ensuring a balanced learning experience that combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice.

Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY)Former U20 world champion Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), centre, at the course in Dammam. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A notable participant was former U20 world champion in Greco-Roman Mustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), whose participation added significant value to the course by sharing elite-level experience and inspiring fellow coaches. Several participants demonstrated exceptional potential and were identified as promising future coaches for Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region.

The topics covered were self-reflection, risk management and safety with focus on coaching skills, teaching techniques, practice planning, anti-doping awareness, and the basic rules of wrestling. These subjects were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to support athlete development and promote safe, effective coaching practices.