Development

Portugal Pursuing Olympic Solidarity Development of National Sports System

By Tim Foley

LISBON (May 21) – The Portugal Wrestling Federation has been accepted into the Olympic Solidarity Development of National Sports System (DNSS) program.

The five stage plan began in February and has since completed additional phases in April and May. The fourth phase will be in September and the fifth in December. The five phases were staggered throughout the nation to help promote nationwide participation in the sport. The final plans call for unified education and development.

The program is being led by Luis FONTES, coach and Technical Director for the Portugal Wrestling Federation.

United World Wrestling encourages eligible National Federations to apply the program through their National Olympic Committee. The maximum amount that one National Federation could receive is 30,000 USD through the development program.

The details of this program is on our web in the development section, the link is as follow:

https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/c03en-development-of-national-sports-system.pdf

For more information, please email development@unitedworldwrestling.org

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.