Development

UWW Announces Assistance for Cuba and Puerto Rico

Friday, January 26, 2018 - 07:56 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (January 26) -- Following damages caused by historic hurricanes in 2017, United World Wrestling president and IOC member Nenad Lalovic has announced an assistance programme for the national wrestling federations of  Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Regional development officer Yuri MAIER, visited both island nations to evaluate the damages and met National Olympic Committee and Ministry of Sports representatives. The parties agreed that UWW would donate competition and training mats, via the contribution of its official equipment partner Taishan. 

UUW also agreed to provide additional funding through its development programmes in an effort to help relaunch local activities and repair damaged sites. 

Cuba and Puerto Rico are among the top wrestling countries in the Americas and worldwide.

#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.