Rivalry

Wrestling Showcases Heavyweight Battle in Short Film, "Rivalry: Taha v. Geno" 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - 14:43 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 15) -- They are the largest men in the sport of wrestling and for the past several years they've been exchanging some of its most epic battles.

With back-and-forth action and incredible stamina leading to nail-biting outcomes, Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) and three-time world champion Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have become appointment viewing for wrestling fans around the world. The duo has competed more than a half dozen times, exchanging wins and losses in what are often high-scoring matches with exertion that often seems in defiance of what is possible.

The documentary highlights the action on the mat, but also the incredible respect and admiration the duo shares for each other. 'I'm extra prepared and motivated each time we wrestle," says Akgul in the film. "He's an incredible sportsman with a strong will," replies Petriashvili.

While the action on the mat can get heated, the duo has showcased the power of respect in a rivalry and that wrestling -- while intense and without forgiveness -- can be a platform for building character.

Fans can watch the documentary for free on YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, and the UWW website.

#development

UWW hosts pre-Belgrade Worlds training camp

Monday, October 2, 2023 - 11:31 By United World Wrestling Press

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DIVCIBARE, Serbia (October 2) --- United World Wrestling, together with the support of the Olympic Solidarity Sports Development Unit - Athletes and Sport Development Division via the Youth Athletes Development – International Federation Training Opportunity, organized a ten-day acclimatization camp before the first of six qualification events for the Paris Olympic Games from September 5-15, in Divcibare, Serbia.

Over 130 athletes and coaches from 50 nations participated in this year’s training camp and the UWW Technical Assistance for Competitions program.

SRBWrestlers who attended the training camp warm up for practice with a friendly game of basketball. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

‘We understand the importance of this competition and the financial difficulties our federations are facing with the worldwide inflation. At United World Wrestling, we always have our athletes at heart and try to support them as much as we can, to be fair to everyone to have an equal chance to take part in the 1st Paris Olympic Games Qualifier for wrestling, to help them on their first step towards achieving their Olympic dreams,' said Deqa NIAMKEY, UWW Development Director. ‘We had a record-high number of athletes and coaches this year in our supporting program.’