#development

United World Wrestling continues to spread wrestling in Ocean Indian

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - 12:19 By United World Wrestling Press

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MORONI, Comoros (July 27) --- From 17th to 23 July 2022, United World wrestling deliver a level 1 coaching course through the support of Olympic Solidarity.

This course was delivered by Vincent AKA, United World Wrestling development officer. During this week, they were theoretical and practical of wrestling. To raise the technical level in wrestling, the emphasis was placed every morning and afternoon on the acquisition of basic techniques in Olympic wrestling on the mat.

This was an opportunity to discuss the ratings of wrestling techniques. This allowed the referees to make clarification on the knowledge of the points of the regulations relating to the situation of standing wrestling and wrestling on the ground.

To use all the key points to grow wrestling, it appears with the beautiful beaches in Comoros that to achieve the development of wrestling the interest of all clubs and wrestlers to use beach wrestling to contribute to a more exciting activity and promote wrestling by using the Beach.

Also, to start the process, during the course, while using Olympic style, the development officer proposes to use Beach Wrestling, which will be an opportunity to progress on growing wrestling in the whole Comoros.  from then on, the whole day of Wednesday was devoted to beach wrestling. This day was amazing as people on the beach join the participants and enjoy the activities.

That makes the President of the National Federation Mr. Abdallah and Mr. PAPA, Technical Director of the NOC said that: ``We have funded the key to promote and grow wrestling in Comoros”. We are going to use it Sundays when everybody comes to the Beach.

United World Wrestling continues its momentum to develop wrestling in the Indian ocean. Given the situation of the young Comorian Federation of Associated Wrestling, the development department under the leadership of Mrs. Deqa Niamkey has judged to send to the Comoros, Vincent AKA, Development Officer to provide real support to this young federation. By using the Olympic Solidarity course, United world wrestling create all the possibilities to use all stones on which to base the future development of wrestling in the Comoros.

Smaller federations will get special attention as the United World Wrestling does its utmost to create the conditions for wrestlers and federations to flourish. United World Wrestling will continue to partner with officials and organizations dedicated to the development of wrestling

United World Wrestling is determined through the new strategy led by President Nenad Lalovic to support the smaller federations to improve the development of wrestling in all regions of the world. Through its actions in the field, the development department remains the armed wing of the implementation of this vision.

United World Wrestling remains committed to spreading and growing wrestling in the world.

#WrestleBratislava

On 14th attempt, Prevolaraki wins historic European gold for Greece

Friday, April 11, 2025 - 22:47 By Vinay Siwach

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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (April 11) -- Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE) made her first trip to the European Championships in 2011 when she was 19 years old. She competed in 14 European Championships and returned home with eight medals -- four silvers and four bronzes -- over the last 13 years.

Now 33 and competing at her 14th European Championships, Prevolaraki won her first gold medal with a thrilling win over Andreea ANA (ROU), ending a 24-year wait for Greece to have a champion in Women's Wrestling at the continental event. Former world champion Sofia POUMPOURIDOU (GRE) was the last and only other European champion for Greece in Women's Wrestling.

"I am very happy that I managed to earn the gold medal," Prevolaraki said. "I was waiting so many years to be the European champion and I am 33 years old but I managed to do it."

Over the years, Prevolaraki has lost four finals, all to different opponents. But Friday, she managed to keep her composure in a close bout for the win.

"This time I am more experienced and I did not feel any pressure," she said.  I played freely and good things happen when you have no pressure."

Wrestling in Bratislava in the 53kg weight class, Prevolaraki was hit with passivity first and put on the 30-second clock which expired without Prevolaraki scoring to give Ana 1-0 lead.

Ana extended her lead to 3-0 when Prevolaraki tried to hit a cut-back but was unsuccessful in the move. With more than two minutes remaining, Ana tried defending her 3-0 lead but was put on the activity clock when 1:10 were left.

During the 30-second period, Prevolaraki went for the leg-attack but Ana moved and tried getting behind Prevolaraki which she almost did and tried throwing the Greek with a cradle. But Prevolaraki was alerted and did not land in danger and scored a takedown. The activity clock against Ana expired which added another point for Prevolaraki, making the score 3-3 with the Greece wrestler leading on criteria of last point scored.

Romania decided to challenge, a strategic one. Even a lost challenge would need Ana to score a point to win from 4-3 with Prevolaraki lead and 3-3 with criteria to Prevolaraki.

On review, Romania lost the challenge and Prevolaraki led 4-3. Ana hit a sweep single and tried forcing Prevolaraki out of bounds but the Greece wrestler turned it around to get Ana's head out first and get another point to lead 5-3 which she defended and won the gold medal.

Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE)Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE) at the medal ceremony of the European Championships. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

"I think I have had a good career," she said. "I am sad that I don't have an Olympic medal but I have many European medals and world Championships medals."

Prevolaraki, a four-time Olympian, a rare feat in wrestling, paid tribute to three-time Olympic champion Buvaisar SAITIEV, by wearing a shirt with his photo and message. Saitiev had passed away in March at the age of 49 years.

"The legend [Saitiev] is for all wrestler all over the world and his legend has no bounds. I wanted to pay a tribute to this legend," she said.