#Yariguin2019

Ten "Must Watch" Matches from the Ivan Yariguin

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - 15:01 By Eric Olanowski

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There were countless great matches that took place over the four days of wrestling at the first Ranking Series event of the year, the Ivan Yariguin, and we took the time to compile a list of the ten best matches with the most action and biggest storylines. 

1. FS 74kg FINALS - Reigning world champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS) squared off against two-time world medalist Yakup GOR (TUR) in the 74kg gold-medal bout, and was the victor, 5-4. 

2. WW 72kg FINALS -  Tamyra MENSAH (USA) defeated Yuka KAGAMI (JPN) to become the first American wrestler in any style to win three Yariguin titles. 

3. FS 125kg FINALS - Anzor KHIZRIEV (RUS) stopped the two-time world and Rio Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) from winning his first Yariguin title 

4. FS 97kg Qualification - Rasul MAGOMEDOV (RUS) stunned the two-time world and Rio Olympic champion Kyle SNYDER (USA) in the opening round at 97kg. 

5. WW 68kg Qualification - Khanum VELIEVA (RUS), the four-time age-level world champion, got revenge on Cuba's first-ever women's wrestling world champion Yudari SANCHEZ RODRIGUES (CUB) in the opening round. This was a rematch of the U23 world championships, where Sanchez Rodrigues was victorious over Velieva, 5-0. 

6. FS 65kg Semifinal  - Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS), the two-time world bronze medalist, locked up his finals spot with a win over fellow Russian, Gadzhimurad RASHIDOV (RUS), who is a two-time world silver medalist. This was Rashidov's second tournament up at 65kg. He usually competes down at 61kg but will attempt to move up to 65kg this season. 

7.  WW 57kg Semifinal - SUKHEE Tserenchimed (MGL) stopped U23 world champion Grace BULLEN (NOR) and earned her spot in the Yariguin finals. 

8. FS 125kg Semifinal - Taha Akgul shut out 2018 world runner-up Zhiwei DENG (CHN) and earned his first trip to a Yariguin gold-medal bout.

 9. FS 79kg Qualification - Magomed RAMAZANOV (RUS) halted 2018 world bronze medalist Akhmed GADZHIMAGOMEDOV (RUS) in the opening round, but later fell to Gadzhimagomedov in the round-robin finals at 79kg. 

10. WW 68kg Quarterfinals - ENKH AMAR Davaanasan (MGL) picked up a huge win over Russia's four-time age-level world champion and UWW's Junior Female Wrestler of the Year Khanum Velieva in the semifinals and eventually went on to win the silver medal at 68kg. 

#development

Italy Organizes UWW Level 3 Technical Course for Coaches

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 09:49 By United World Wrestling Press

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CESEBATICO, Italy (February 9) -- A United World Wrestling Level 3 Technical Course for coaches was successfully organized in Cesenatico, Italy from January 5 to 9, 2026. The course was organized in collaboration with UWW and the FIJLKAM.

Organised after a international tournament, the course brought together 33 coaches from Italy and other countries, including Germany, Poland, Croatia and Ivory Coast creating a rich environment for technical exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

This tournament provided an important practical framework for the educational programme, allowing coaches to observe real competition situations, analyze match management and technical-tactical aspects, and directly link theoretical learning to high-level competitive practice.

The programme was led by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA, with practical sessions conducted by Olympic Champion and UWW expert Komeil GHASEMI. The course followed the new UWW education pathway, focusing on advanced coaching competencies for high-performance environments.

Italy

The key topics in the course included coaching philosophy and leadership, advanced planning and periodization, pedagogical situations and match analysis, technical and tactical development, safeguarding, anti-doping and athlete protection and introduction to Beach Wrestling.

Both theoretical and practical evaluations were conducted, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real coaching situations. At the conclusion of the course, all successful participants were awarded the UWW Level 3 Coaching Certificate.

"I want to thank everyone for this course, for what you did, and for how we got along together," Carmelo RICCARDO, a coach and participant said. "It was a wonderful experience and very interesting course. Thanks to the UWW and FIJLKAM for these important opportunities for growth."

The Italian Wrestling Federation provided high-quality facilities, with classrooms and training venues meeting international standards. All activities were centralized at Villaggio Accademia Cesenatico, ensuring optimal logistical conditions for both learning and training.

The course benefited from the continuous presence of national federation representatives, including the Technical and Sports Directors, as well as the participation of FIJLKAM leadership during the closing ceremony—demonstrating strong institutional commitment to coach education.

After the course, it achieved its educational and development objectives. The combination of high-level technical content, structured evaluations, international expertise, and strong human values.

The course not only strengthened the competencies of participating coaches but also reinforced Italy’s role as a key hub for wrestling education and excellence in Europe, contributing sustainably to the long-term development of the sport.

Sustainability

From a sustainability perspective, the use of the covered stadium contributed to the efficient organization of Beach Wrestling activities by optimizing existing infrastructure. By adapting a multi-purpose covered venue for Beach Wrestling sessions, the organizers limited the need for additional temporary installations, reduced logistical and environmental impact, and ensured continuity of activities regardless of weather conditions.

This approach reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable event organization through the рационal use of facilities and long-term infrastructure legacy.