Fair Play

Lalovic Reaffirms Wrestling’s Commitment to Olympic Charter, Fair Play

By United World Wrestling Press

IOWA CITY (April 8) – United World Wrestling president and IOC executive board member Nenad LALOVIC today reasserted wrestling’s commitment to open and fair play in sport.

“Like many federations we face problems with countries allowing their politics to interfere in competition,” said Lalovic. “For wrestling, this problem has been visible among our stakeholders. No longer can we allow political problems to enter the field of play. We must fight against any opponent of our sport community with all the means we have.”

Lalovic is currently in Iowa City, United States attending the 2018 Men’s Freestyle World Cup, a dual meet competition featuring the top eight wrestling nations in the world.

“If every international political conflict is transferred to the field of play, and we fail to respond, then all of sport would be in jeopardy. Every nation and every sport on the Olympic programme must respect the Olympic charter and the nature of their sport in general.”

“We will never allow any disrespect to our nations, nor will the IOC.”

United World Wrestling is reviewing all host cities and national federations to ensure they have no outstanding political disputes which might conflict with the idea of open and fair competition. Also, nations who do not allow for entrance of other nations will not be considered for hosting future events.

#WrestleTirana

Reactions to Kayaalp's 13th European Title

By United World Wrestling Press

TIRANA, Albania (April 22) -- The moment Riza KAYAALP (TUR) won the 13th European Championships gold medal in Tirana on Tuesday, it sent Turkiye into a frenzy.

From Turkish President Recep ERDOGAN to other political personalities, the historic moment saw reactions from all quarters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kayaalp broke Aleksandr KARELIN's record of 12 gold medal at the European Championships by winning his 13th.