Meiji Cup

Susaki-Irie Clash Already Set as Rivals Drawn Together in Opener

Friday, June 14, 2019 - 23:05 By Ken Marantz

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TOKYO (June 15)---A potential match-up between two-time world champion Yui SUSAKI and nemesis Yuki IRIE in the women's 50kg class was one of the talking points heading into the All-Japan Invitational Championships.

It has become a reality far sooner than anyone imagined.

As fate would have it, Irie and Susaki were drawn to face each other in their opening match on Saturday, the third day of the four-day tournament also known as the Meiji Cup.

The tournament at Tokyo's Komazawa Gym is serving as the second of two national qualifiers for Japan's team to the World Championships in Kazakhstan in September.

As such and to better prepare the wrestlers, the Japan federation has set up the tournament using the same format as the worlds, most significantly by running all weight classes over two days, regardless of number of entries.

But it is the use of seedings that led to the marquee match-up more appropriate for a final.

The top two finishers at the All-Japan Championships in December, the first qualifying tournament referred to as the Emperor's Cup, were seeded. As Irie won the 50kg title there, she is the No. 1 seed at the Meiji Cup.

Susaki, however, missed the Emperor's Cup due to an elbow injury, and therefore went into the general draw. She was matched up with Irie in what will be a quarterfinal match.

Eri TOSAKA, the Rio 2014 gold medalist at 48kg, was placed in the other half of the draw, setting up a potential final with either Susaki or Irie.

Irie, who won the gold medal at the Asian Championships in April, defeated Susaki in the semifinals at the 2017 Emperor's Cup, but Susaki avenged that loss at the Meiji Cup the following spring.

That set up a playoff for the team to Budapest 2018, which Susaki won 6-4 before going on to successfully defend her world title.

Development

South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week: A Vital Step in Wrestling Development

Monday, October 14, 2024 - 12:21 By United World Wrestling Press

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PERTH, Australia (October 14, 2024) – The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week, held in Perth from September 30 to October 4, marked a significant milestone in the growth and development of wrestling across the region. Representatives from seven Oceania nations—Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tahiti, and the Marshall Islands—and a participant from Singapore gathered to foster collaboration and enhance wrestling expertise. For many, it was their first UWW certification in years, adding even more impact to the event.

The week was packed with essential courses focused on both technical and administrative skill development. The Level 3 Coaching Course, led by UWW Educator and USA Wrestling Gold Level Coach Marty Huack, provided advanced coaching strategies, emphasizing elite training methodologies and periodization. Participants gained valuable insights to elevate their coaching approaches and optimize athlete performance at the highest levels of competition.

The Level 2 Referee Course, delivered by UWW 1S Referee and local expert Stefan Rudevics, focused on refining officiating skills. Attendees deepened their understanding of rules, decision-making processes, and match management, significantly enhancing their capabilities for future tournaments. Additionally, Youssef Bouaziz, a UWW IT Specialist, led an IT Course that equipped participants with the digital tools essential for modern sports administration, including proficiency in the Arena platform for managing both national and international events.

AUSParticipants pose for a photo after the conclusion of The South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

One of the week's standout moments was the opportunity for referees and IT participants to apply their newly acquired skills at the Australian Youth National Championships, which ran concurrently with Education Week. This live event setting allowed participants to gain hands-on experience, reinforcing their training and building confidence in real-time scenarios.

Feedback from the attending nations emphasized the significant professional growth experienced by participants, who valued the interactive, hands-on format of both the coaching and refereeing courses. The IT course, which focused on leveraging the Arena platform, was also highly praised for its practical application. During a feedback forum at the event's conclusion, participants expressed strong enthusiasm for future educational opportunities, reflecting their dedication to ongoing development.

Beyond technical training, Education Week fostered a deeper sense of unity and collaboration within South-East Asia and Oceania wrestling communities. By bringing together representatives from across the region, the event strengthened relationships and reinforced a collective ambition to raise wrestling standards. This spirit of cooperation enhanced individual skills while laying the groundwork for future growth and partnerships.

The success of South-East Asia & Oceania Education Week underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing wrestling development. We look forward to welcoming even more participants in future editions as we continue to elevate the sport across South-East Asia and Oceania.