#Grappling

Kazakhstan dominates Asian Grappling Championships

Friday, June 23, 2023 - 07:07 By Vinay Siwach

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan (June 23) -- Host country Kazakhstan dominated the Asian Grappling Championships, securing the majority of the gold medals in the U15 and U17 age categories.

Kazakhstan is currently hosting the Asian Grappling Championships at the Beeline Arena in Astana, which commenced on April 21 and will conclude on April 24.

In the U15 category, the competition featured ten men's Grappling weight classes, with Kazakhstan claiming eight gold medals. Neighboring Kyrgyzstan secured the remaining two gold medals in the 35kg and 53kg divisions. This outstanding performance granted Kazakhstan the team title with 240 points, while Kyrgyzstan finished second with 82 points. India secured the third position with 65 points.

In the same U15 age category, but in Grappling Gi, Kazakhstan exhibited even greater dominance, winning nine gold medals, leaving Kyrgyzstan with only one. Kazakhstan's remarkable performance earned them 245 points, while Kyrgyzstan secured second place with 72 points. India claimed the third position with 60 points.

Moving on to the U17 Grappling competition, Kazakhstan achieved a clean sweep, securing all nine gold medals across all weight classes. Among the five participating countries, Kazakhstan claimed the top spot, with Kyrgyzstan in second place and India in third. The pattern remained consistent in the U17 men's Grappling Gi, with Kazakhstan once again securing all nine gold medals, and the team rankings reflecting the same order as in the Grappling category.

GrapplingGrappling was held in U15, U17 and Veteran categories on the first two days. (Photo: UWW / Assem Shalgumbayeva)

In the women's Grappling Gi competition at the U17 level, bouts were held in six weight classes, with Kazakhstan winning five gold medals. The remaining gold medal went to India.

Similarly, in the women's Grappling competition, India prevented Kazakhstan from achieving a complete sweep by securing one of the six gold medals on offer.

A Veteran's competition also took place and it saw a change in the gold medalists.

In Veteran A men's Grappling Gi category, Kyrgyzstan and Iran won gold medals in three weight classes. While two gold medals went to Kyrgyzstan, Iran won the gold medal at 84kg.

GrapplingGrappling in women's category saw participants from four countries. (Photo: UWW / Assem Shalgumbayeva)

In Veteran A men's Grappling category, Kyrgyzstan won two more gold medals while the third was won by Kazakhstan. In both Grappling and Grappling Gi, Kazakhstan managed only one gold, two silver and a bronze medal.

All the individual bout results and videos of the tournament can be found exclusively on UWW's Asian Grappling Championships page. 

#development

Higuchi, Dosho masterclass as UWW hosts women’s camp at Shigakkan

Monday, November 17, 2025 - 11:51 By United World Wrestling Press

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OBU, Aichi, Japan (November 16) — The 2025 United World Wrestling Women’s Training Camp at Shigakkan University concluded after twelve days of intensive training, education, and cultural exchange.

The university has been one of the leaders of women’s wrestling in Japan and worldwide and has produced champion wrestlers including four-time Olympic champion Kari ICHO (JPN) and 13-time world champion Saori YOSHIDA (JPN).

Organized as part of UWW’s ongoing initiative to promote growth and provide high-level opportunities for female athletes worldwide, this edition followed last July’s successful camp held at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, India.

Shigakkan University demonstrated outstanding commitment by providing excellent facilities, coordination, and support, while the 20 athletes from 11 countries showed remarkable dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic throughout the program.

Japan

A highlight of the camp was the series of masterclasses by Japan’s most accomplished wrestlers including Olympic champion Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), who led a four-day technical instruction masterclass during the camp, demonstrating a series of wrestling techniques.

Paris Olympic silver medalist Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) opened the camp with two days of teaching and showcased some of his signature techniques. Sara DOSHO (JPN), Olympic champion in Rio 2016, guided the final two days with practical, detail-oriented sessions rooted in her championship experience.

The camp also had anti-doping and sport-nutrition workshops, delivered by Professor Taro MURAKAMI from the Department of Nutrition, was supported by Hirobumi TADA, who made the session interactive through a card-based educational game. University students also participated, helping create an engaging atmosphere that emphasized clean sport and athlete responsibility.

Dr. Hideyuki GOTO, from the Department of Sports and Fitness and team doctor of the Shigakkan Women’s Wrestling program, offered a hands-on class on concussion awareness and prevention. Athletes received practical demonstrations with ultrasound and clear guidance on injury detection and safe athlete care.

Daichi TAKATANI (JPN)

The wrestlers also participated in an Exchange Event with university students that included a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, summer kimono experience, matcha preparation, origami.

The camp also received the special visit of Dr. Kuniko TANIOKA, Chairperson and President of Shigakkan University, who warmly welcomed the participants on behalf of the institution.

The collaboration between UWW and Shigakkan University resulted in a comprehensive program that combined elite technical training, educational development, and meaningful cultural exchange.