Statement

Statement from Wrestling President Lalovic on Terrorist Attack in Kabul

Thursday, September 6, 2018 - 19:54 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 6) – Statement from United World Wrestling President and International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC following news of Wednesday’s terrorist attacks at a wrestling tournament in Kabul.

United World Wrestling and the worldwide wrestling family are shocked and saddened to learn of Wednesday’s violent attack on innocent wrestlers during a competition in Kabul. We have been in touch with the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation and has offered them any support they require in this time of need.

Wrestling competitions are a place for our young athletes to feel safe as they test their skills, form friendships and learn important lessons about teamwork. Wednesday’s attack looks to shake our confidence, but we stand together with all wrestlers around the world in condemning this barbaric act of cowardice. 

United World Wrestling sends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in this senseless attack.

#BeachWrestling

Sakurai swaps mat for sand, wins Beach Wrestling gold

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 09:01 By Vinay Siwach

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TOKYO (May 13) -- Paris Olympic champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) made a return to competition for the first time since August last year. However, it was not on the mat.

Sakurai, who won gold medal at 57kg in Paris, returned to compete in beach wrestling. She wrestled at the Japan Beach Wrestling National Team Qualifying Tournament held in Tachikawa, Tokyo on Sunday and won gold at 60kg

"It may sound strange for me to say it, but I felt that I was suited to it," Sakurai was quoted by Japan Olympic Committee.

Sakurai, who is not entered for the June 19-22 Meiji Cup, Japan's qualifying tournament for the World Championships in September, is now qualified to compete for Japan in Beach Wrestling this year.

"Since I am qualified for the international tournament, I will try to participate," she said. "I want to be number one. I'll practice on the sandy beaches of Kochi [Prefecture]."

The three-time world champion, however, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the mat soon.

"I am still practicing on the mat and when I feel like I am ready, I will be back on the mat," she said.