#OffTheMat

Match Breakdown: How did Akgul tech three-time world champ Petriashvili?

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - 15:37 By Eric Olanowski

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COSIER-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 3) --- Taha AKGUL (TUR) and Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) have arguably the greatest freestyle rivalry of the last decade. Combined, they have three Olympic medals – including a Rio Olympic gold – five world titles and ten European gold medals.

While in Turkey, Akgul sat down with United World Wrestling to break down one of the most important matches of his career, which happened to be against his Georgian rival. He treated fans an in-depth look into his mental and physical approach against his arch-nemesis.

Akgul selected his quarterfinals match at the 2017 European Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia against Petriashvili to break down. The Turkish legend said this match was so significant in his career because it was the first major championship after winning his Olympic title and athletes tend to lose concentration after winning Olympic gold.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

UWW steps up for 2028 LA Olympic cycle with new Refereeing Commission

Monday, March 10, 2025 - 01:15 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (March 10) -- As the new Olympic cycle kicks off, United World Wrestling has announced a new set of Refereeing Commission and appointed an independent group to maintain the standards of officiating in matches.

UWW's aim is to enhance the efficiency and performance and continuous improvement in officiating in wrestling. Taking a step in that direction, UWW has appointed an independent refereeing group to assess the standards of the officials and the officiating. The group will directly refer to the UWW President and UWW Bureau Members.

The three-member group will consist of Antonio SILVESTRI, Kamel BOUAZIZ and Arsen JULFALAKYAN. Former world champion and Olympic silver medalist Julfalakyan will provide valuable expertise as an athlete and a different perspective from that of a referee.

UWW has also reinvented the Refereeing Commission with headed by Levent SEN. The new commission will retain the same functions and responsibilities and ensure high level of officiating across all competitions.

Additionally, it will be responsible for training new referees and equipping them with the necessary knowledge to progress in their roles. The Commission will work closely with the Development Department to establish the referee education pathway and content.

For referee education and training, UWW has set up theoretical training through online content on UWW Academy, Nearpod and webinars. All the training material is available on the UWW website (uww.org). Ibrahim CICIOGLU will be in charge of the education in close collaboration with the Development department and provide expertise and advice to all parties.