Webinar

Webinar Schedule for June 22-26

By United World Wrestling Press

Below is the Referee Commission and Development Department webinar schedule for next week (22-26 June). These webinars are available to anyone that wold like to join and learn more about the topics.

Please note the time of each webinar and compare that to your local time

Schedule for 22-26 June

Topic:  Takedown and Control by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim CICIOGLU

Date:  Monday, 22 June
Time:  14:00 - Zurich (UTC+2) – 08:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:  English
Level:  National and International Referees and National Coaches
Meeting Link:  https://zoom.us/j/92048306062

Topic:  Coach’s Role in Youth Sports by Hector Luis CAMACHO PEDRIQUEZ
Date:  Tuesday, 23 June
Time:  20:00 - Zurich (UTC+2) – 14:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:  Spanish
Level:  Introductory Level Coach
Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/98637902626 

Topic:  Referee Competencies & Referee Team Duties by Norovard ARUSTAMYAN
Date:  Wednesday, 24 June
Time:  14:00 - Zurich (UTC+2) – 8:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:  Russian
Level:  National Referees and Coaches
Meeting Link:  https://zoom.us/j/91906878823

Topic:  Coach’s Role in Youth Sports by Vladimir SHATSKYKH
Date:  Thursday, 25 June
Time:  14:00 – Zurich (UTC+2) – 8:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:   Russian      
Level:  Introductory Level Coach
Meeting Link:  https://zoom.us/j/94598044415

Topic:  Active Wrestling & Criteria for Passivity by Mr. Antonio SILVESTRI
Date:  Thursday, 25 June
Time:  15:00 - Zurich (UTC+2) – 9:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:  English
Level:  National and International Referees and National Coaches
Meeting Link:  https://zoom.us/j/99873060376  

Topic:  Referee Competencies & Referee Team Duties by Carlos GARCIA
Date:  Friday, 26 June
Time:  17:00 - Zurich (UTC+2) – 11:00 - New York (Check your local time)
Language:  Spanish
Level:  National Referees and Coaches
Meeting Link:   https://zoom.us/j/99527148786

 

Should you have any questions, please contact Zach Errett, UWW Education Manager, at zach.errett@unitedworldwrestling.org.

#development

Guinea Bissau Hosts Successful REDT as Part of Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics Preparation

By United World Wrestling Press

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (April 17) -- As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen wrestling development in Africa and in preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Regional Education and Development Tournament (REDT) for West Africa was successfully held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, from April 6 to12, 2026.

Organized by the Guinea-Bissau Wrestling Federation in collaboration with United World Wrestling, the event brought together 10 National Federations from the region: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and host nation Guinea-Bissau.

The REDT tournament was designed as a multi-dimensional development platform, combining education, capacity building, and competition.

Prior to the competition phase, a series of structured activities were implemented including a training camp for wrestlers, aimed at improving technical performance. Educational sessions for coaches and administrators, delivered by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA and a referee course, conducted by UWW Educator Charles VILLET, were also conducted.

These initiatives contributed to the harmonization of technical standards and reinforced the operational capacity of participating federations.

GBS

Competition

The competition included Men's and Women's Freestyle and Beach Wrestling across U17 and Senior categories at two different locations. Freestyle was conducted at National School of Physical Education and Sports (ENEFD) and Beach Wrestling was held at the Lino Correia Stadium.

The tournament was conducted in accordance with UWW regulations, with approved competition mats and the use of the Athena system for registration and licensing.

Impact

A few crucial outcomes were achieved through the tournament including identifying and developing young talent ahead of Dakar 2026, strengthening regional cooperation among National Federations, capacity building for coaches, referees, and administrators and promotion and integration of Beach Wrestling as a strategic discipline.

Despite the success of the event and the strong performances of athletes, the need for enhanced institutional and financial support remains a key priority. The President of the Guinea-Bissau Wrestling Federation João SOARES emphasized the importance of sustained investment to ensure continued progress and international competitiveness.

The presence of national authorities, including the Prime Minister Ilidio VIEIRA TE and National Olympic Committee President Fernando ARLETE, highlighted the recognition of wrestling as a strategic sport contributing to national development and visibility.

The REDT tournament represents a significant milestone in the regional roadmap toward Dakar 2026. The next steps include continued preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, participation in upcoming African Wrestling Championships, expansion of Beach Wrestling development initiatives and further implementation of UWW education and development programs.

The successful organization of the REDT West Africa Tournament in Bissau demonstrates the effectiveness of UWW’s development strategy in the region. By combining education, capacity building, and competition, the event has contributed to building a strong foundation for the future of wrestling in Africa.

GBS

Results

The host nation, Guinea-Bissau, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first overall with a total of 25 medals - 17 Golds, 4 Silvers and 4 Bronzes.

Freestyle (Both Men's & Women's)

15 medals (12 Golds, 2 Silvers, 1 Bronze)

Team Rankings:
1st place: Guinea-Bissau
2nd place: Benin
3rd place: Ghana

Beach Wrestling

10 medals (5 Golds, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronzes)

Team Rankings:

1st place: Guinea-Bissau
2nd place: Senegal
3rd place: Benin