COVID-19

UWW-Africa Training Center Offers Update, Message of Solidarity

Wednesday, April 22, 2020 - 16:31 By United World Wrestling Press

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EL JADIDA, Morocco (April 22) -- Athletes from the UWW-African training program were joined by coaches and administrators in offering an update from their facility in El Jadida. The video message was distributed on the United World Wrestling homepage and social media platforms.

"I wish for us to win this fight against caronavirus and get back to our normal life as soon as possible" said UWW-Africa president and bureau member Fouad MESKOUT. "Stay Healthy and Stay Safe!"

The training center is one of several that were created by United World Wrestling to help grow the sport in new areas of the world such as Central America, South America, and Africa.

Olympic silver medalist Oborududu announces retirement

Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 07:10 By Vinay Siwach

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NIGERIA (June 6) -- Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) announced her retirement last week, ending a memorable career in wrestling.

The 36-year-old called it quits at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, a tournament she made her first appearance as a young wrestler in 2006.

In a career spanning 19 years, Oborududu won the African Championships 13 times, became the first African wrestler to win Olympic silver medal in Women's Wrestling and finished fifth at the Paris Olympics.

Oborududu participated won her first gold at the African Championships in 2010 and maintained her winning streak at the tournament for 15 years. 

“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey: the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel IGALI, the board members, my teammates, and my family,” Oborududu was quoted as saying by the Nigeria media. "I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics, which ignited hope across Africa. It was the first-ever medal by an African woman in wrestling at the Olympics, and I hope more will come for future wrestlers."

At the sports festival, Oborududu helped Team Bayelsa clinch gold medal in her final bout at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival. He later received a farewell from teammates, officials and fans.