Development

Wrestling Present at 3rd Annual IOC-IF Gender Equality in Leadership Forum

By Tim Foley

LAUSAUNNE, Switzerland (April 12) – United World Wrestling sent two top leaders to this month's 3rd Annual IOC-IF Gender Equality in Leadership Forum in Lausanne.

Farnaz Panahidez, a member of United World Wrestling’s Women’s Commission member and Director of International Relations of Iran Wrestling Federation, presented at the forum alongside UWW Development Director Deqa Niamkey. The duo on the advancements of UWW in gender equality and women’s wrestling on the panel of “meaningful Inclusion in decision making roles.”

Ms. Panahidez and Ms. Niamkey were joined on stage by World Rugby President, Mr. Beaumont, International Gymnastics Federation President, Mr. Watanabe, FISA Council Member, Ms. Ravensberger and Vice President of Luge, Mrs. Del Negro.

The forum included more than 150 participants presenting on a variety of topics, with the intention of further improving gender balance throughout all levels of international sport. The event was highlighted by the IOC Gender Equality Review Project recommendations, which includes 25 areas of focus to promote gender quality across international sport.

The forum was introduced by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.

Highlighting the discussions were interactive panel sessions on women’s role in their respective sport’s election processes, the portrayal of sports women in the media, and a discussion of best practices by national and international federations in promoting women in sport.

United World Wrestling’s involvement in the forum was another example of the organization’s firm commitment to gender equality. Over the past few years United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic has taken several steps to ensure the inclusion of more women in the sport’s decision-making positions. He has also worked with partners to an increase in the number of women’s competitions and provide more visibility to women’s wrestling.

The Development Department, along with the Women and Sport Commission, have been tasked with turning the President’s commitment to gender equality and related initiatives into concrete action.

Development

UWW Level 1 Coaching, Referee Courses in India Attract Over 70 Participants

By United World Wrestling Press

HARYANA, India (April 10) - The Wrestling Federation of India, in cooperation with United World Wrestling, held a Level 1 Coaching Course and Introduction to Refereeing Course at the Northern Regional Centre Sonipat in Haryana, India, March 13-17.


The 8-day courses attracted more than 70 potential referees and coaches from across India. The courses were delivered by UWW educators Georgi SREDKOV (BUL) and Davor PETANJEK (CRO).


Both courses taught participants the essential skills necessary to sharpen their skillset and provide tools for them to develop their wrestling programs efficiently within their clubs and regions.

The courses were interactive, giving attending referees and coaches the chance to practice sharpening classroom skills on the mats.

The Wrestling Federation of India expressed its ongoing support of United World Wrestling’s Grow Wrestling initiatives and desire to cooperate with other projects related to development of wrestling across India.