Obituary

Magomed Aliomarov, Leader in Development of Women's Wrestling, Dies at 67

By United World Wrestling Press

MAKHACHKALA, Russia (May 13) -- Magomed ALIOMAROV, head coach of Russia's resurgent women's wrestling program, died Wednesday after a brief battle with COVID-19. He was 67.

Born in the small village of Tlyarosh, Dagestan, Aliomarov began wrestling as a child. After his competitive years, Aliomarov worked as a club coach in Dagestan from 1978-1992 before taking an administrative role as vice-president of the Azerbaijan Wrestling federation from 2008 to 2017. That nation saw great success during Aliomarov's tenure including a 2009 World Championship team title in women's wrestling. In 2011 Aliomarov became the head coach of Azerbaijan Women's Wrestling team, where he remained until 2015.

The Russian Federation hired Aliomarov back in February 2019 to lead its women's program. The move created instant results with Russia earning the team title at the 2020 European Championships in Rome and runner-up honors at the 2019 World Championships in Nur-Sultan. The successes made Aliomarov and the Russian Wrestling Federation hopeful for the future of the women's program.
 
"I have no words. He was such an energetic person who had so many plans. Our women's team followed him, and that lead to very good results," said Mikhail Mamiashvili, President of Russian Wrestling Federation. "Our deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of Magomed Aliomarovich and the entire wrestling community."

Known to be a fierce advocate for his athletes, Aliomarov was widely respected by opposing coaches, while also enjoying the admiration of his athletes.

"It's difficult to believe," said Inna Trazhukova, who won a world championship in Nur-Sultan. "His death is a great loss for our team. He believed in me before the 2019 World Championships and I got the best result in my whole sports career."

"We had the great plans for Olympic Games and I'm very sad that they wouldn't come true."

United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC also sent his condolences to the Russian Wrestling Federation and the families and friends of Aliomarov.

"We are very saddened by the news. The death of Aliomarov is a big loss for the sport and our community."

#development

Senegal hosts UWW African Seminar

By United World Wrestling Press

DAKAR, Senegal (March 13) --- United World Wrestling held its African Seminar in Dakar, Senegal, February 13-15, bringing together representatives from various African wrestling federations. The seminar aimed to provide administrative training ahead of upcoming championships, such as the African Beach Wrestling Championship, African Games, and African Championship. The event was meticulously overseen by experts including Mr. Vincent AKA, Mme. Deqa NIAMKEY, and Mr. Youssef BOUAZIZ, an IT Specialist.

The seminar also aimed to address the pressing need for capacity building within African wrestling federations, recognizing the shared goal of advancing the sport on the continent. By focusing on federation management, particularly in preparation for upcoming championships, the sessions underscored the collective commitment to enhancing organizational capabilities and operational efficiency.

Central to this initiative was the acknowledgment of challenges encountered by various federations in managing their information systems. This common obstacle served as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Day 1: Technical and Technological Focus:

The first day of the seminar concentrated on technical and technological aspects crucial for effective federation management. Sessions included discussions on essential tools for federation offices, establishment of official email addresses, utilization of the Athena platform, and organizing Olympic sports. However, it was observed that some federations faced challenges due to the lack of technological resources such as laptops, printers, and physical infrastructure representing their federation back at their local country.

Day 2: Strategic Management Focus and Cultural Visit:

On the second day, the focus shifted to strategic management principles tailored to the needs of wrestling federations. Practical examples and national wrestling federation cases were employed to illustrate effective strategies for federation development. Additionally, a visit to the renowned wrestling arena in Dakar was organized, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the sport's cultural significance in Senegal. The excitement and joy among the representatives during this visit were palpable, highlighting the shared passion for wrestling and its rich history.

The engagement and dedication of present UWW (United World Wrestling) experts played a pivotal role in driving the seminar's success. Their expertise and guidance provided invaluable insights, empowering attendees with practical strategies and best practices to overcome existing hurdles and optimize their federation operations.

Overall, the seminar served as a testament to the collaborative efforts and shared interests within the wrestling community, epitomizing a commitment to excellence and progress in the sport's development.