#WrestlePlovdiv

Live Blog: U23 European Championships, GR Day 1

By United World Wrestling Press

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria (March 7) -- The first day of the U23 European Championships begins with five weight classes in Greco-Roman wrestling. Wrestlers from 55kg, 63kg, 77kg, 87kg and 130kg will be in action on day one. Keep an eye on Turpan BISULTANOV (DEN), Denis MIHAI (ROU) and Istvan TAKACS (HUN) among others.

MATCH ORDER | WATCH LIVE

1300: The small section of fans cheer as Ilia MUSTAKOV (BUL) defends a 3-1 lead against Levente TOTH (HUN) and secures his place in the 63kg semifinals.

1220: Junior European champion Turpan BISULTANOV (DEN) brings out a big front headlock throw against Lachin VALIYEV (AZE) to win 10-2 at 87kg 

1205: Gevorg TADEVOSYAN (ARM) has locked Beka MELELASHVILI (GEO) arm and chest and rolls him four times to win 9-0

1155: Outstanding from Deni NAKAEV (GER). He ensures that two big throws from par terre give him the 9-0 win over Rasmus AASTROEM (SWE)

1145: Abdurrahman KALKAN (TUR) does not wait for the passivity warning from the referee. He blasts two throws to win 8-0 against Niko NIKOLADZE (ISR) 

1130: We are beginning with the 77kg weight class on three mats. The qualification rounds of this weight class will be followed by 87kg. In the morning session, we will continue will the quarterfinals

1115: We are live from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It's the first continental championships of the year. The U23 wrestlers from around Europe are here.

Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

By United World Wrestling Press

CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.