#WrestleDortmund

Germany's Dittmann Elected President of UWW Europe

Sunday, June 27, 2021 - 16:40 By United World Wrestling Press

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DORTMUND, Germany (June 27) -- Karl-Martin Dittmann, Secretary-General of the German Wrestling Federation, was elected President of UWW Europe this week during a meeting at the European Junior Championships in Dortmund.

Elections were held for the entire UWW Europe bureau, Ali Csilla (HUN), Georgy Bryusov (RUS), Pircalabu Razvan (ROM), Zeljko Trajkovic (SRN), Pertti Vehviläinen (FIN), Vrenezi Betim (MKD) each being elected to a four-year term.

Dittmann’s election follows the sudden passing of longtime UWW Europe president Tseno TSENOV earlier this year.  

“I thank all my colleagues from the European wrestling community for electing me as their president and the trust they showed with this,” said Dittman. “Those who know me know that I will do everything to keep wrestling not just on the high level it already is in Europe, but to improve it in these tough times with the help of my European friends and the support of United World Wrestling.”

Dittman has been Secretary-General of the German Wrestling Federation since 2001 and in 2013, he was elected to the board of UWW Europe, then became a member of the UWW Bureau in 2014.

United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic: saind, "I congratulate Karl-Martin for being elected as UWW Europe President. After the sudden death of his predecessor Tzenov in spring, UWW Europe has a president again. He's someone who dedicates his life and passion to wrestling. For years, Karl Martin has been an active member of the UWW Bureau and we work efficiently and cordially together. I know UWW Europe is in the  best hands possible.“

#development

Guinea Bissau Hosts Successful REDT as Part of Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics Preparation

Friday, April 17, 2026 - 08:43 By United World Wrestling Press

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BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (April 17) -- As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen wrestling development in Africa and in preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Regional Education and Development Tournament (REDT) for West Africa was successfully held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, from April 6 to12, 2026.

Olympic Solidarity and United World Wrestling worked with the Guinea-Bissau Wrestling to organise the event that brought together 10 National Federations from the region: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and host nation Guinea-Bissau.

The REDT tournament was designed as a multi-dimensional development platform, combining education, capacity building, and competition.

Prior to the competition phase, a series of structured activities were implemented including a training camp for wrestlers, aimed at improving technical performance. Educational sessions for coaches and administrators, delivered by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA and a referee course, conducted by UWW Educator Charles VILLET, were also conducted.

These initiatives contributed to the harmonization of technical standards and reinforced the operational capacity of participating federations.

GBS

Competition

The competition included Men's and Women's Freestyle and Beach Wrestling across U17 and Senior categories at two different locations. Freestyle was conducted at National School of Physical Education and Sports (ENEFD) and Beach Wrestling was held at the Lino Correia Stadium.

The tournament was conducted in accordance with UWW regulations, with approved competition mats and the use of the Athena system for registration and licensing.

Impact

A few crucial outcomes were achieved through the tournament including identifying and developing young talent ahead of Dakar 2026, strengthening regional cooperation among National Federations, capacity building for coaches, referees, and administrators and promotion and integration of Beach Wrestling as a strategic discipline.

Despite the success of the event and the strong performances of athletes, the need for enhanced institutional and financial support remains a key priority. The President of the Guinea-Bissau Wrestling Federation João SOARES emphasized the importance of sustained investment to ensure continued progress and international competitiveness.

The presence of national authorities, including the Prime Minister Ilidio VIEIRA TE and National Olympic Committee President Fernando ARLETE, highlighted the recognition of wrestling as a strategic sport contributing to national development and visibility.

The REDT tournament represents a significant milestone in the regional roadmap toward Dakar 2026. The next steps include continued preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, participation in upcoming African Wrestling Championships, expansion of Beach Wrestling development initiatives and further implementation of UWW education and development programs.

The successful organization of the REDT West Africa Tournament in Bissau demonstrates the effectiveness of UWW’s development strategy in the region. By combining education, capacity building, and competition, the event has contributed to building a strong foundation for the future of wrestling in Africa.

GBS

Results

The host nation, Guinea-Bissau, delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first overall with a total of 25 medals - 17 Golds, 4 Silvers and 4 Bronzes.

Freestyle (Both Men's & Women's)

15 medals (12 Golds, 2 Silvers, 1 Bronze)

Team Rankings:
1st place: Guinea-Bissau
2nd place: Benin
3rd place: Ghana

Beach Wrestling

10 medals (5 Golds, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronzes)

Team Rankings:

1st place: Guinea-Bissau
2nd place: Senegal
3rd place: Benin