Anti-Doping

Russian Elkanov Suspended Four Years

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (August 30) – United World Wrestling has suspended freestyle wrestler Dmitrii ELKANOV (RUS) following violations of the organization’s anti-doping policy during the 2018 Cadet Wrestling World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

United World Wrestling issued the test July 3, 2018 and had it processed through a WADA-accredited laboratory in Seibersdorf (AUT).

Elkanov’s test indicated the presence of Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone, Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid under class S1.1A of the 2018 Prohibited List and is prohibited at all times (in and out-of-competition). According to UWW’s records, no Therapeutic Use Exemption was delivered by UWW to justify the presence of Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone in the wrestler’s system. 

A suspension of four years was imposed and will run from July 28, 2018 to July 27, 2022.

Elkanov’s gold medal in freestyle wrestling at 80kg will also be forfeited and returned. The updated medal standings are as follows:

GOLD: Rahman Mousa AMOUZADKHALILI (IRI)
SILVER: Rafayel HARUTYUNYAN (ARM)
BRONZE: Shakhbos KOMILOV (UZB)
BRONZE: Ahmet YUCEL (TUR)

 

 

Obituary

Famed Germany coach Ostermann passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 28) -- Heinz OSTERMANN, former head coach of Germany, passed away at the age of 85 in the night of August 26–27, 2025.

Ostermann dedicated more than 25 years of his life as national coach, leading German athletes to 9 Olympic medals, 32 World Championship medals and 60 European Championship medals. Beyond these outstanding achievements, he was known as a mentor and role model for generations of wrestlers.

The German Wrestling Federation will honor his memory with great respect and gratitude. Ostermann will be remembered internationally as one of the most influential German wrestling coaches of his time.

United World Wrestling sends it condolences to the Ostermann family.