#ChinaOpen2018

World Champ Mukaida Helps Japan Jolt to Trio of China Open Golds

Friday, June 22, 2018 - 13:05 By Eric Olanowski

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TAIYUAN, China (June 22) - World champion Mayu MuKAIDA (JPN), alongside YU MIYAHARA (JPN) and Yuzuru KUMANO (JPN) jolted Japan to a trio of China Open gold medals on the opening day of competition in Taiyuan’s Shanxi Sports Center. 

In the finals, Mukaida used a quartet of takedowns and a pushout with under ten seconds left to grab the 9-1 victory over China’s U23 world runner-up and Ivan Yarygin champion, ZHANG Qi.

Mukaida, who's only suffered two international losses since 2015 outscored her opponents 29-1 through her three matches on the day. When asked what worked for her this weekend, Mukaida said, "I just concentrated on one match at a time, and I was able to wrestle freely. I was able to do what I wanted." 

Yu Miyahara collected Japan's second gold medal of the night in a rematch of the Ivan Yarygin semifinals where she once again defeated Ekaterina POLESHCHUK (RUS). This time, it was for the 53kg China Open gold medal. Though the Russian wrestler improved on January’s 10-0 defeat, Miyahara’s double leg takedown and side headlock roll were good enough to claim the 4-1 victory. 

Yuzuru Kumano gave Japan their third and final gold medal from the first day of competition with a 9-3 thumping of Russia’s Veronika CHUMIKOVA in the 59kg gold-medal bout.

RONG Ningning (CHN) presented the host nation with their first gold medal after sticking Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS) in the 57kg championship bout. “I felt very excited to win this gold medal. I brought glory to this Chinese team.”

After winning the Ivan Yarygin and Asian Championship at 59kg, Rong decided to move down to compete at 57kg. “The 2kg difference was not hard to make. It was just a few extra runs. But, I felt light. This is going to be my weight class moving forward to the Asian Games and the World Championships.” 

The final gold medal of the day went to Romania's Alina Emilia VUC. Vuc, the runner-up at the 2018 European Championships and Klippan Lady Open bronze medalist finally claimed the gold medal she’s been chasing all year with a 1-0 win over China’s ZHU Jiang.

50kg 
GOLD – Alina VUC (ROU) df. ZHU Jiang (CHN), 1-0 

BRONZE - Aktenge KEUNIMYAEVA (UZB) df. Dauletbike YAKHSHIMURATOVA (UZB), 3-1

53kg 
GOLD – YU MIYAHARA (JPN) df. Ekaterina POLESHCHUK (RUS), 4-1 

BRONZE – PANG Qianyu (CHN) df. LOU Lannuan (CHN), via fall 
BRONZE – LIU Yujiao (CHN) df. Mercedesz DENES (HUN), 10-0 

55kg 
GOLD – Mayu MUKAIDA (JPN) df. ZHANG Qi (CHN), 9-1 

BRONZE – OH Hyemin (KOR) df. Ramona GALAMBOS (HUN) 
BRONZE – OUYANG Junling (CHN) df. Zalina SIDAKOVA (BLR), 5-2

57kg
GOLD – RONG Ningning (CHN) df. Olga KHOROSHAVTSEVA (RUS), 5-0

BRONZE – UM Jieun (KOR) df. Kateryna ZHYDACHEVSKA (ROU), 3-3

BRONZE -  Tetyana KIT (UKR) df. Xingru PEI (CHN), via injury default 

59kg
GOLD – Yuzuru KUMANO (JPN) df. Veronika CHUMIKOVA (RUS), 9-3  

BRONZE – Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) df. WANG Yuan (CHN), 11-0 
BRONZE – ZHANG Yue (CHN) df. SUN Xinyuan (CHN), 8-6

#development

With Two Courses in 10 Days, India Dedicated to Developing Coaching Pool

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:46 By United World Wrestling Press

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NEW DELHI, India (April 7) -- The Wrestling Federation of India organized two courses in India last month. The first course was a Level 3 -- Introduction to Periodization and Coaching Philosophy and was held from March 21 to 25.

A second course was completed immediately after the first. This was a Level 2 -- Introduction to Practice Planning and was conducted from March 25 to 30. The courses were led by UWW Certified Educators Ahmed KHEDHRI (TUN).

“The participants engagement, along with the logistical and organizational support from the Indian Wrestling Federation, greatly contributed to the success of the courses," Khedhri said.

The Level 3 course was attended by 20 participants. During the five days, the participants covered a wide range of topics which included performance analysis, fundamentals of periodization, practice plan review and self-reflection.

The course also addressed coaching philosophy, self-awareness, leadership styles, and coach vision. These topics were covered through a variety of lectures, practical exercises, and interactive group discussion.

"The Level-3 coaching course was a great opportunity for learning and development. I appreciated the teaching style, depth of knowledge, and clear communication, all of which were motivating and inspiring," SB PRASAD, Greco-Roman coach, said.

The Level 2 course was attended by 41 participants. During the course, the coaches started with basic skill development and performance analysis basics and transitioned to the technicalities of designing and implementing practice plans.

The coaches learned the importance of designing sessions that are age and stage appropriate for their athletes. These interactive sessions included a mix of small group work and practical sessions.

“The Level-2 course was an incredible and enriching experience. I gained valuable knowledge that will greatly benefit my coaching career," Shilpi SHEORAN, Women's Wrestling Coach, said.  

IND
The 41 participants pose for a photo following the conclusion of the course. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Comments from the participants:

“I found the Level-3 course highly valuable, highlighting the practical approach, detailed explanations, and continuous support throughout the program. These aspects enhanced my understanding and confidence as a coach.” – Vinod KUMAR, Head Coach, Freestyle National Team.

“The Level-2 course as extremely enriching and well-structured, with clear and engaging instruction. Thank you to UWW and WFI for organizing and facilitating this valuable program,” – Abhishek CHANDEL, Coach.