#Rome2018

Nine Nations Qualify Wrestlers for Tuesday's European Junior Greco-Roman Finals

By Eric Olanowski

ROME, Italy (July 30) - The opening day of the 2018 European Juniors kicked off today in Rome, Italy and nine nations qualified a wrestler for tomorrow’s Greco-Roman finals. Russia was the lone nation to put more than one wrestler in the finals, as Oleg AGAKHANOV (RUS) and Egor KADIROV (RUS) each reached the finals of their respective weight classes. 

Oleg Agakhanov gave Russia their first finalist after he outscored Artsiom SHUMSKI (BLR), 10-0 to make the 130kg finals. 

Agakhanov, the 2017 Vantaa Painicup will go head-to-head with Germany’s Cerro Pelado International bronze medalist, Franz RICHTER for the heavyweight title. In the semifinals, Richter blasted through Beka MAKARIDZE (GEO), 8-2 to make his way to the European Junior gold-medal bout. 

Egor KADIROV (RUS) is one of two Russian wrestlers who made the Greco-Roman finals on the opening day of the 2018 European Junior Championships. (Photo by Max Rose-Fyne) 

Egor KADIROV (RUS) was the second Russian wrestler to make the finals, shutting out 2016 Cadet World team representative, Vahe POGHOSYAN (ARM), 9-0 to make the 77kg championship match. 

In the finals, Kadirov, the 2016 Vantaa Painicup champion will wrestle Bulgaria’s 2016 Cadet World team representative, Zahari ZASHEV. 

Nearly all of the finalists have previous age-level European Championship experience, but none have reached the gold-medal bout, meaning five first time continental champions will be crowded tomorrow. 

The day two Greco-Roman finals are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 6:00 PM local time. (Click HERE for full schedule)

Finals Match-ups   
57kg - Giovanni FRENI (ITA) vs. Tigran MINASYAN (ARM)
63kg - Maksim NEHODA (BLR) vs. Oleksandr HRUSHYN (UKR)
77kg -  Egor KADIROV (RUS) vs. Zahari Rosenov ZASHEV (BUL)
87kg Temuri TCHKUASELIDZE (GEO) vs. Alex Gergo SZOKE (HUN)
130kg - Oleg Kahaberovitch AGAKHANOV (RUS) vs. Franz RICHTER (GER)

Development

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.