#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.

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

By United World Wrestling Press

Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.