#BeachWrestlingWorldSeries

Beach Wrestling World Series Boasts Action-Packed First Day in Portugal

By Tim Foley

CHAVES, Portugal (March 29) – Spectators watched from the banks of the Tamega River Friday as wrestlers from a dozen countries began their quest for prize money and national pride during the first stop of the 2019 Beach Wrestling World Series.

The event is one of four in the Beach Wrestling World Series, an annual series launched this year by United World Wrestling in support of its associated style, beach wrestling.

“This was a fun first day,” said Kamilla FAMA, who competed at 50kg for Brazil losing her first match. “I wish I would have performed better, but I love wrestling and being in the sand. This is going to get bigger every stop!

Camila FAMA (BRA) and Kamila BARBOSA (BRA) after day one of wrestling at the Beach Wrestling World Series in Chaves. (Photo: Max Rose-Fyne)

Sand and wrestlers went flying during the qualification rounds on Friday, with dozens of wrestlers sending opponents arching towards the ground. Perhaps the highest-flying maneuver was by Dato MARSAGISHVILI (GEO) who used a wrist and underhook to toss Pedro Jacinto GARCIA PEREZ (ESP) in their session ending bout at -90kg.

Marsagishvili is a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist and 2011 world medalist making him the most accomplished of the mat wrestlers in attendance.

Dato MARSAGISHVILI (GEO) after his session ending three-point throw. (Photo: Max Rose-Fyne)

Wrestling action will continue tomorrow morning at 10am with two more qualification rounds in each weight class. The medal rounds will start at 3pm local time.

The medal rounds are more significant now than in year’s past as place-winners will be awarded cash prizes based on where they finish. Gold medalist will earn 1000 CHF, silver 500 CHF, and bronze 250 CHF in each of the eight weight categories (four men, four women). There is also an additional prize of 1000 CHF for the best move of the tournament, which will be selected by the fans, athletes, and coaches at the end of the event.

In addition to money and national pride the place winners at tomorrow’s final session also earn points in qualifying for the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games held in San Diego in October. Competitors will also able to capture additional points at the next Beach Wrestling World Series stop May 10-11 in Rio de Janeiro.

The Beach Wrestling World Series can be watched live around the world on FloWrestling.org. Fans and athletes can also follow the Beach Wrestling World Series on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Development

Successful Level 1 Coaching Course held in Bulgaria

By United World Wrestling Press

PAZARDZHIK, Bulgaria (November 6) – The Bulgarian Wrestling Federation organized a Level 1 Coaching course to help improve and provide training for their coaches.  This 5-day course was held in conjunction with Olympic Solidarity, Bulgarian Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling. 

The Level 1 course was led by UWW Certified Educator Mr. Georgi Sredkov (BUL).

The course was held from 15-20 October and was attended by 40 coaches and 6 athletes. “I point to my many years of experience to emphasize that, from a professional point of view, the seminar held by G. Sredkov was indeed at a very high professional level, with enormous benefit for all participants and especially for young coaches. The selection of the topics and issues in the sport of wrestling, the arrangement of the topics and the inclusion of free discussions submitted by the participants, greatly increases the quality and effect of this seminar.” said Mr. Georgi Kalchev (European Champion and World Medalist). 

This course focuses on the foundational skills to be a great coach.  The topics included: key factor analysis, introducing new techniques, communication skills, improving coaching skills, risk management and safety, and athlete safeguarding.  The participants learned and practiced their skills through theoretical and practical evaluations throughout the course. “Thanks to Georgi Sredkov for the seminar. Everything he offered us in the seminar was completely useful and beneficial.” said Emil Budinov (Olympic Coach).

Additional Comments from Participants

My participation was extremely useful for me as a coach. We exchanged experiences and I learned new practices with which I can upgrade my coaching activity.” – Miroslav Geshev (European Medalist and National Coach)

“I am personally very pleased that I had the opportunity to attend this seminar. I managed to learn many interesting things that will be useful for the development of our wrestling.” – Georgi Dumkov (Club Coach)

“Thanks for the fruitful seminar, especially the way of presentation. Special thanks to Georgi Sredkov - 5-day seminar full of content, excellently structured - balance between theory and practice.” – Vasil Popov (European Champion)