2020 World Championships

Executive Committee Confirms Wrestling World Championships for Belgrade in December

Monday, October 12, 2020 - 15:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (October 12) - The United World Wrestling Executive Committee today approved existing plans to host the 2020 Senior Wrestling World Championships December 12-20 in Belgrade, Serbia.

The committee approved the championships after receiving commitments from more than 70-percent of National Federations, a participation hurdle it had set for itself last month. The bureau will meet November 6th to discuss any changes to the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and it’s impact on participation.

“We are cautiously optimistic about wrestling’s return in December,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC. “The safety of our athletes, coaches, and staff is our top priority and we will be taking every measure to ensure that happens in Belgrade.”

The Junior Wrestling World Championships, originally scheduled for the week prior, were cancelled after feedback from the national federations indicated concerns about the number of participants able to attend.

The Congress, originally scheduled for the same week, will be discussed in the coming weeks as more information is made available from national federations.

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UWW steps up for 2028 LA Olympic cycle with new Refereeing Commission

Monday, March 10, 2025 - 01:15 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (March 10) -- As the new Olympic cycle kicks off, United World Wrestling has announced a new set of Refereeing Commission and appointed an independent group to maintain the standards of officiating in matches.

UWW's aim is to enhance the efficiency and performance and continuous improvement in officiating in wrestling. Taking a step in that direction, UWW has appointed an independent refereeing group to assess the standards of the officials and the officiating. The group will directly refer to the UWW President and UWW Bureau Members.

The three-member group will consist of Antonio SILVESTRI, Kamel BOUAZIZ and Arsen JULFALAKYAN. Former world champion and Olympic silver medalist Julfalakyan will provide valuable expertise as an athlete and a different perspective from that of a referee.

UWW has also reinvented the Refereeing Commission with headed by Levent SEN. The new commission will retain the same functions and responsibilities and ensure high level of officiating across all competitions.

Additionally, it will be responsible for training new referees and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to progress in their roles. The Commission will work closely with the Development Department to establish the referee education pathway and content.

For referee education and training, UWW has set up theoretical training through online content on UWW Academy, Nearpod and webinars. All the training material is available on the UWW website (uww.org). Ibrahim CICIOGLU will be in charge of the education in close collaboration with the Development department and provide expertise and advice to all parties.