#WrestleNice

'22 Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane Postponed

By United World Wrestling Press

NICE, France (January 13) -- It is with much disappointment that the French Wrestling Federation (Fédération de Française de Lutte) informed that the Grand Prix de France Henri Deglane 2022 is officially postponed. The decision has been taken after several meetings within the French Wrestling Federation and with the French Ministry of Sports. Given the current COVID-19 situation in France and the world, the French Wrestling Federation recognizes that they cannot organize the competition without putting at risk the athletes and staff. Therefore, they have decided not to maintain the Grand Prix next week.

The Federation is very disappointed by this news as they have worked tirelessly for this event, but the health of the athletes obviously comes first. They hope to organize the Grand Prix later this year but cannot make any commitments at this time.

If participants already paid the competition fees, they will be reimbursed in full.

Seven wrestlers perish as devastating earthquakes hit Kahramanmaraş, Turkiye

By United World Wrestling Press

COSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 6) --- Multiple earthquakes hit the Kahramanmaraş province in southwest Turkiye, causing major loss. The reported earthquakes measured a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.8 and have also impacted the surrounding country of Syria.

Sports in Turkiye has been suspended and efforts are ongoing to recover those who have been impacted by the natural disaster.

The earthquakes have affected wrestlers who were participating in an international wrestling tournament in the province. The most recent reports have indicated that teams of France, Kosovo, and Uzbekistan have been transported out of impacted areas to safety. However, seven Turkish wrestlers have died, with many still unaccounted for as a consequence of the earthquakes.

“It is devastating to hear that the earthquakes have taken the lives of so many, and we are deeply saddened that seven brave wrestlers are among the many victims. I pray for the families and the Wrestling family sends our strength and support to the people of Turkiye and Syria during these trying times,” Nenad LALOVIC, United World Wrestling President, said.

UWW and Turkish Wrestling Federation are constantly assessing the developing situation.