#BackToWrestling

With Eye on Safety, Lithuania Returns to Practice Mats

By United World Wrestling Press

VILNIUS, Lithuania (May 22) -- With few cases of COVID-19 nationwide, Lithuania's top wrestlers are returning to the mat, albeit with safety precautions in place. 

Lithuania has only seen 1600 total cases of COVID-19 and 60 deaths. Despite the lower numbers the wrestling federation and the athletes are taking every precaution they can to ensure the health and safety of the wrestlers on the mat. The new guidelines for practice includes increased cleaning protocols, temperature checks, hand sanitization and face masks (for anyone not actively wrestling).

Athletes’ Commission member Mindaugas EZERSKIS mentioned the practices during Monday's Athlete Webinar with the commission and UWW President Nenad Lalovic. Ezerskis said the team is training during the week and taking weekends off with a focus on preparing for the Olympics and Olympic Qualification events. 

You can watch the full video, here.

#Grappling, #Pankration

Grappling, AMMA 2026 European C'ships in Yerevan, Asians in Vietnam

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 27) -- United World Wrestling has announced the dates and host cities for its 2026 Grappling, Pankration and Amateur MMA continental championships.

The 2026 Grappling, Pankration & AMMA Asian Championships will take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from May 13 to 19, 2026. The event will feature competitions in the U15, U17, U20 and Senior age categories, bringing together top athletes from across the Asian continent.

Shortly after, the 2026 Grappling, Pankration & AMMA European Championships will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, from May 23 to June 1, 2026. The European Championships will include all age categories.

Both these competition will lay foundation for the World Championships of Grappling, Pankration and Amateur MMA in 2026.

Further information regarding event regulations, entry deadlines, and logistical details will be communicated in due course by UWW. National Federations are encouraged to mark the dates and contact UWW for any queries.