Diplomacy

Lalovic Visits Baku, Meets President Aliyev

By United World Wrestling Press

BAKU (April 29) -- United World Wrestling Nenad Lalovic has traveled to Baku to meet with Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Lalovic presented Aliyev with the UWW Golden Order, in recognition of the president's role in development of international wrestling. The Golden Order is the highest honor in international wrestling. 

Lalovic also congratulated Aliyev on his recent re-election as president and hailed the excellent organization of the Formula 1 race in Baku. He also described Azerbaijan as one of the world's leading countries in wrestling.

Saying that Azerbaijan is hosting prestigious international sporting events, Lalovic also mentioned the success fo the first European Games, which were held in Baku in 2015. Lalovic also emphasized Azerbaija'ss recent silver medal performance at the Freestyle World Cup in Iowa City, United States.

President Aliyev thanked Lalovic for his leadership and said the development of sport in Azerbaijan is crucial to raising the healthy young generation and sporting prospects.

 

#JapanWrestling

Watch Live Meiji Cup 2026: Japan Selects Team for World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

TOKYO, Japan (May 21) -- The Meiji Cup All-Japan Invitational Championships is being held at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium from May 21 to 24, 2026.

Japan will be selecting its teams for the 2026 World Championships and the Asian Games. If the winners of 2025 Emperor's Cup Japan Nationals and the 2026 Meiji Cup are same in the respective weight classes, the wrestler will automatically get the spot for both World Championships and Asian Games.

If the winners are different, then a special wrestle-off will be held soon after the finals to decide the winner.

Japan Wrestling Live: Meiji Cup 2026 Watch Live Mat A

 

Japan Wrestling Live: Meiji Cup 2026 Watch Live Mat B

Japan Wrestling Live: Meiji Cup 2026 Watch Live Mat C