Junior Asian Championships

Zhumanazarova Captures Third Straight Gold at Junior Asian C'ships

By United World Wrestling Press

CHON BURI, Thailand (July 11) - Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) made it three gold medals in three attempts at the Junior Asian Championships.

Zhumanazarova, a returning junior world bronze medalist, topped cadet Asian champion Rin MIYAJI (JPN) 8-6 in the finals at 68kg to win her third straight title on the first day of the women's wrestling competition at the Junior Asian Championships in Chon Buri, Thailand. 

In the finals, Zhumanazarova found herself down early in the match. Miyaji, a past cadet Asian champion, picked up a takedown 40 seconds into the match. A short time later, Miyaji fired off an attack, which Zhumanazarova countered for a takedown and exposure before the Japanese woman reversed the action and scored two points, giving her a 4-4 criteria lead. Zhumanazarova then retook the lead with an exposure to go ahead 6-4 at the break. She added to her lead in the second period with a takedown to go up 8-4, but Miyaji turned the tables by stepping over and earning two points of her own, which cut the deficit to 8-6. The two wrestlers continued to battle. A late flurry at the end of the match resulted in no points as Zhumanazarova held on to win.

Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) claimed the gold medal at 50kg. (Photo: Sachiko Hotaka)

Remina YOSHIMOTO, a 2017 cadet world champion, was the lone gold medalist for returning team champion Japan on Thursday. She claimed a 13-6 victory over Yuhong ZHONG (CHN) in the gold-medal match at 50kg. Yoshimoto led by two points with just over 30 seconds remaining before scoring five points late from two takedowns and a step out to win by seven. 

Qian JIANG (CHN) celebrates after winning gold at 76kg. (Photo: Sachiko Hotaka)

Cadet world silver medalist Qian JIANG (CHN) made quick work of Shakhribonu ELLIEVA (UZB) in the finals at 76kg. Jiang secured a takedown early in the match off a single leg before transitioning to her leg lace, which she used to turn Ellieva four consecutive times to pick up a 10-0 technical superiority. 

Hyon Ju YUN (PRK) embraces her coach after a 14-4 finals victory. (Photo: Sachiko Hotaka)

Hyon Ju YUN (PRK) earned the gold medal at 55kg by defeating Enkhtsetseg BATBAATAR (MGL) 14-4 in the finals. Yun raced out to an early 8-0 lead and appeared to be on her way to a first-period technical superiority, but the Mongolian fought hard and stayed in the match, scoring four points in the final minute of the first period. Yun closed out the match just over a minute into the second period with a takedown and exposure.  

Anshu ANSHU (IND) dominated in the finals. (Photo: Sachiko Hotaka)

Anshu ANSHU (IND) won the gold medal in dominant fashion at 59kg, beating Nazira MARSBEK KYZY (KGZ) by 10-0 technical superiority in the finals. Anshu scored her first takedown just 20 seconds into the match. A short time later she used a feet-to-back takedown to build her lead to 6-0. She added two more takedowns to end the match in the first period. 

The five remaining women's wrestling weight categories, 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, 65kg and 72kg, will be contested Friday at the Junior Asian Championships, with action set to begin at 10 a.m. local time.

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

50kg
GOLD - Remina YOSHIMOTO (JPN) df. Yuhong ZHONG (CHN), 13-6
BRONZE - Myonggyong WON (PRK) df. Otgontuya CHINBOLD (MGL), 11-0
BRONZE - Thi Hong CAN (VIE) df. Miran CHEON (KOR), 6-1

55kg
GOLD - Hyon Ju YUN (PRK) df. Enkhtsetseg BATBAATAR (MGL), 14-4
BRONZE - Anju ANJU (IND) df. Aktenge KEUNIMJAEVA (UZB), 3-2
BRONZE - Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) df. Sandugash DYUSSENGALIYEVA (KAZ), 10-0

59kg
GOLD - Anshu ANSHU (IND) df. Nazira MARSBEK KYZY (KGZ), 10-0
BRONZE - Zhuomalaga ZHUOMALAGA (CHN) df. Anh Tuyet TRAN (VIE), 9-0
BRONZE - Ayami SUGIYAMA (JPN) df. Khodicha NAJIMOVA (UZB), 10-0

68kg
GOLD - Meerim ZHUMANAZAROVA (KGZ) df. Rin MIYAJI (JPN), 8-6
BRONZE - Kim Ngan PHẠM (VIE) df. Albina KAIRGELDINOVA (KAZ), 6-4
BRONZE - Xin LI (CHN) df. Yarinda AIRLANG (THA), 12-2

76kg
GOLD - Qian JIANG (CHN) df. Shakhribonu ELLIEVA (UZB), 10-0
BRONZE - Mizuki NAGASHIMA (JPN) df. Karuna KARUNA (IND), INJURY
 

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ASDEG Workshop: IF experts discuss AI and new technologies in coaching

By United World Wrestling Press

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (December 4) -- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other new technologies in coaching topped the agenda of last week’s ASOIF Sport Development and Education Group (ASDEG) Workshop held in Lausanne. The meeting attracted more than 60 experts representing over 30 International Federations (IFs) to gain new insights, share best practice and learn from each other.

United World Wrestling Development Director and ASDEG Chair Deqa NIAMKEY attended the two-day workshop and highlighted the importance of the Workshop when she said:

"This edition of the ASDEG Workshop offered a diverse range of relatable topics to the IFs, focusing on the transformative potential of AI through inclusive education, innovation, and tailored applications for each IF’s unique needs," Niamkey said. "The Workshop serves as a valuable platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all aligned with ASOIF's overarching good governance strategy. I would like to extend my gratitude to ASOIF and their team for their remarkable efforts in organizing such initiatives that elevate our sports, and to the ASDEG for their dedication and invaluable contributions."

The annual meeting is action-oriented and the participants agreed to implement the following initiatives over the next 12 months:

- support IFs in increasing representation of Women Technical Officials and Coaches to meet IOC targets
- design a training program for executives on the strategic and economic value of sport development
- collate Return On Investment information across IFs – including trends and recommendations
- establish regular communication to facilitate cross-sport collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- equip IFs on incorporating technology in development programs and resources for education

"Embracing new technologies and AI is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the International Federations to thrive across all areas, including leadership, sports development and coaching," Stefan LJUTZKANOV, Chief Product Officer Business and Development at Sport ERP, said. "These tools hold the potential to accelerate growth, improve decision-making, and foster inclusivity within our global sports community. The key lies in identifying the gaps and proactively addressing them. By leveraging AI and emerging technologies, we can enhance performance and redefine the roles of coaches, leadership, and athletes, ensuring the future of sport is both innovative and equitable."

Other sessions focused on innovations in delivering educational content to athletes and coaches, specific challenges faced by IFs in this area, IF success stories, and the certification of coach licenses to attain global recognition. Sheila Stephens DESBANS from Olympic Solidarity also joined in the Workshop to present projects and related changes for IFs in the next quadrennium.