Development

Argentina become first country in the Americas to host a Level 3 Coaches Course

Monday, December 2, 2024 - 12:41 By United World Wrestling Press

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (December 2) —Argentina has become the first country in the Americas to host a Level 3 Coaches Course, organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) and Olympic Solidarity (OS), with the organizational support of the Federación Argentina de Luchas Asociadas (FALA) and the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA). This historic course, held from November 25-29, also stands out as the first-ever Level 3 course conducted in Spanish globally, marking a significant milestone in the development of wrestling coaches in the region.

The course brought together 40 Argentine coaches--including seven women--to enhance their technical and pedagogical skills while embracing a high-performance vision. In addition, Ignacio D'Alessandro (ARG), an international 1S referee and UWW educator, conducted a refereeing clinic, which the participants highly appreciated.

CUBWorld champion and Olympic silver medalist Arsen JULFALAKYAN (ARG) walks through par terre strategy at the Level 3 Coaches Course in Argentina. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

One of the course's highlights was a technical and practical masterclass delivered by Arsen JULFALAKYAN (ARG), UWW Bureau member and Olympic medalist. Julfalakyan shared advanced strategies and innovative exercises that inspired participants to raise their training standards and adopt new perspectives in their daily coaching routines.

The program covered essential topics such as the profile of an excellent coach, tactical strategies, periodization theory and training methodology, and pedagogy for both grassroots and high-performance levels. This comprehensive approach not only strengthened the attendees' theoretical and practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration.

Raúl Trujillo and Filiberto Delgado, renowned Cuban coaches with a distinguished track record of training Pan-American, World, and Olympic champions, led the main sessions.

CUBLegendary coach Raúl TRUJILLO (CUB) walks through technique during a training session at the Level 3 Coaches Course in Argentina. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"Argentina has tremendous potential. During this course, we focused on technical aspects and strategies to evolve and enhance the sport’s development in the country," said Trujillo, the celebrated coach of Mijaín López, a five-time Olympic champion. "The Americas are growing significantly; while Cuba, the United States, and Canada used to dominate, other nations are now achieving remarkable results at World Championships and the Olympic Games."

David Ochoa, Argentina's National Coach and newly accredited UWW Educator, supported the Cuban experts. Ochoa earned this distinction at the most recent Educators’ Course held in Guatemala just weeks prior, and his involvement exemplified Argentina’s commitment to nurturing local talent in wrestling education.

The course opened with an inauguration ceremony at the Argentine Olympic Committee, attended by key figures such as Fernando Rittner, president of FALA; Sebastián Pérez, Secretary General of FALA; Yuri Maier, UWW Sports and Development Officer; Arsen Julfalakyan, UWW Bureau member; and Cristian Roldán, head of administration and responsible for Olympic Solidarity. The practical and theoretical sessions took place at the National Center for High Performance Sports (CENARD), providing a professional and motivating environment for the coaches.

This course marks a significant step in the growth of wrestling across the continent, underscoring the importance of educational programs to elevate coaches’ technical and pedagogical levels. The certificates awarded, endorsed by UWW and Olympic Solidarity, symbolize not only recognition for the participants' efforts but also a commitment to developing the sport in Argentina and Latin America.

The success of this event opens the door to replicating this model in other countries across the continent, contributing to the global advancement of wrestling.

#WrestleZagreb

Bisultanov stamps authority at 87kg with Zagreb Open gold

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - 20:19 By Vinay Siwach

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ZAGREB, Croatia (February 9) -- David LOSONCZI (HUN) must have thought that Saturday was a perfect chance to avenge his Paris 2024 loss to Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) at the Zagreb Open.

Bisultanov, however, wasn't keen on that.

READ MORE: Zagreb Open Day 4 Results

The Paris bronze medalist put on an even better show than the one six months ago and beat Losonczi in a more dominant fashion, winning the gold medal at the 87kg weight class in Zagreb, claiming his first-ever Ranking Series gold.

"I'm not even in good shape," Bisultanov said. "It's crazy because after the [U23] World Championships, my coach and me were talking about how I can just enjoy my wrestling. Before it was like, I had to make the results. Now, I have all the results. At every tournament, I just have to enjoy, be calm, wrestle, and then go back."

While Paris was a dull affair with Bisultanov pulling off a 2-1 one, Zagreb saw him hit all the right notes despite falling behind early against the 2023 world champion.

Losonczi got the first par terre advantage and Bisultanov, who has struggled with his ground defense in the past, gave up a gut wrench but did not let Losonczi run away with it. 

The former European champion roared back after being 3-0 down, first with a stepout, then a counter body throw for two. Losonczi was docked two points for fleeing and asked to restart in par terre. However, Bisultanov did not score from there.

With a 5-3 lead at the break, Bisultanov kept the pressure on Losonczi who seemed to be tiring out as the final went on. After some failed attempts, Losonczi did score a stepout in the final few seconds but Bisultanov was well in control of the final and won 5-4.

"I'm so happy because this is my first ranking series gold and I beat very good guys," he said.

Bisultanov's run in Zagreb included a few impressive victories at 87kg. He began with a 5-0 win over U20 world champion Islam YEVLOYEV (KAZ), blanked Islam ABBASOV (AZE) 4-0 and planned out a 1-1 victory over Milad ALIRZAEV (AIN).

Earlier in his career, Bisultanov conceded points from par terre but he brought out his best defense in Zagreb, giving up two points only in the final.

"I am more happy because I wanted to try some things out here that I will be better at for the World Championships like improving my par terre," he said. "I am definitely more confident with my wrestling after Paris Olympics. Normally, maybe I would panic after a gut wrench. [In the final], I was behind 3-0 against a very tough guy. But I started immediately and then got five points very quickly."

Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN)The only gut wrench Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) gave up was in the final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

A few of those changes include score stepouts when he gets a chance. Undoubtedly, Bisultanov uses his short stature against taller wrestler to get under their shoulders and push them out.

"It's good for my style because I want to move forward all the time, so my shoulder is below their shoulder," he said. "I'm smaller than them, then it's easier to get down on the hook. It's the small things that make a big difference."

The former European champion will skip this year's European Championships in April and participate in two more Ranking Series events, in Tirana and Budapest, before the World Championships in September.

"I will skip Europeans," he said. "The main goal is World Championships. For Europeans, you have to prepare to be 100 percent and I have already won it before. I need to get some [ranking] points for the World Championships and not think too much about it."

Sergei STEPANOV (AIN)Sergei STEPANOV (AIN), left, defeated Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) 4-3 in the 77kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

At 77kg, Sergei STEPANOV (AIN) ran through a top field and won the gold medal by beating former world silver medalist Zoltan LEVAI (HUN) 4-3 in the final.

Stepanov was last in action at the 2021 U23 World Championships in which he won a bronze medal. For the last four years, Stepanov has been away from international wrestling.

Returning to the mat for the first time since 2021, Stepanov scored wins over Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE) 4-0 in the quarterfinal and then destroyed Sergei KUTUZOV (AIN) in the semifinal, winning 8-0. He performed a spectacular back lift throw from par terre for five points against Kutuzov that got the applaud from the crowd.

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA)Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) defeated Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) 7-4 in the 57kg final. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Women's Wrestling

Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) survived a late headlock throw from U23 world champion Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE) in the 57kg final to win the gold medal 7-4. Winchester and Aliyeva were the only two wrestlers competing in the weight class and the final lived up to the expectations.

Winchester led 7-2 and Aliyeva kept trying to succeed in a 2-on-1. She managed to score a takedown with 20 seconds on the clock to cut the lead to 7-4 and then headlocked Winchester for a big throw and was awarded four points for it as she claimed a 8-7 win.

But the United States challenged and on review, the move was cancelled as it was not finished as the clock expired.

"It was kind of a dual meet match but a good match," Winchester said. "I have a lot stuff to take from the match. I figured that I was going to win from how the match was going, but just the mindset of finishing it. I know I got the experience. No matter if it is one match, five matches or 10, you still got be present in the moment and not look ahead."

Skylar GROTE (USA)Skylar GROTE (USA) wrestles Veronika VILK (CRO) in 72kg round-robin bout. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

The U.S. won two more gold medals at 72kg and 76kg as Skylar GROTE (USA) and Yelena MAKOYED (USA) dominated their weight classes for the top medal.

Grote, competing in a Nelson bracket, had four wins out of four bouts with three technical superiorities. In the Round 5 bout against Paula LECARPENTIER (FRA) Grote settled for a 2-0 win.

The bronze medal in this weight class was claimed by Veronika VILK (CRO) to a loud cheer from the home fans. Vilk pinned Noemi OSVATH NAGY (HUN) to claim the medal. In 2022, Vilk became Croatia's first-ever wrestling world champion at any level or style.

"I feel amazing and so proud of myself," Vilk said. "I don't know how to explain this. In my home, in my country, amazing."

The 18-year-old hails from Slatina, a city in north-east Croatia but trains in Koprivnica, a city in north Zagreb, where she also attends high school.

"For my weight category, it's difficult to get partners," she said. "I train with boys which is very hard. When I have camps, I train with other girls."

Makoyed, a U23 world champion, claimed gold medal at 76kg after winning all three bouts that she competed in a four-wrestler bracket. Makoyed pinned two of her opponents and won the third via superiority.

RESULTS

Women's Wrestling

57kg
GOLD: Jacarra WINCHESTER (USA) df. Zhala ALIYEVA (AZE), 7-4

72kg
GOLD: Skylar GROTE (USA)
SILVER: Paula LECARPENTIER (FRA)
BRONZE: Veronika VILK (CRO)

76kg
GOLD: Yelena MAKOYED (USA)
SILVER: Valeria TRIFONOVA (AIN) 
BRONZE: Kamile GAUCATE (LTU)

Greco-Roman

77kg
GOLD: Sergei STEPANOV (AIN) df. Zotlan LEVAI (HUN), 4-3

BRONZE: Sergei KUTUZOV (AIN) df. Sanan SULEYMANOV (AZE), 3-1
BRONZE: Alexandru SOLOVEI (MDA) df. Aram VARDANYAN (UZB), 3-1

87kg
GOLD: Turpal BISULTANOV (DEN) df. David LOSONCZI (HUN), 5-4

BRONZE: Islam ABBASOV (AZE) df. Milad ALIRZAEV (AIN), 5-5
BRONZE: Exauce MUKUBU (NOR) df. Aleksandr KOMAROV (SRB), 5-0