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UWW, KNUS and Kazakhstan Sign MoU

Thursday, July 2, 2026 - 09:47 By United World Wrestling Press

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan (July 2) -- United World Wrestling has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kazakh National University of Sports and the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation to further the development of wrestling and promote sports education.

The MoU was signed on Thursday in Astana by UWW President Nenad LALOVIC, KNUS Rector Tursynzada KUANGALIYEVA, and Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation President Yerkin OKASSOV.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in sports education, and the continued development of wrestling through joint initiatives and knowledge sharing.

During the ceremony, KNUS also conferred the title of Honorary Professor upon Lalovic in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of sports education, scientific research, international academic cooperation, and the global sports community.

Nenad LALOVIC

Lalovic thanked the founder of the University Nurasyl MEDEU, Rector Kuangaliyeva, the management, staff and students of the university along with representatives of the Kazakhstan Wrestling Federation.

Astana will host the 2026 World Championships from October 24 to November 1 at Barys Arena, marking the return of the flagship event to the Kazakh capital seven years after it last staged the championships.

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ASDEC Chair Niamkey Leads Workshop on Sports Development

Monday, May 11, 2026 - 07:14 By United World Wrestling Press

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland (May 9) -- Collaboration, innovation and open exchange was at the heart of a two-day workshop, organised by the ASOIF Sport Development and Education Commission (ASDEC) on May 5 and 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland. The meeting brought together more than 60 participants from 30 International Federations (IFs) for two days of peer exchange and practical discussion on key issues shaping the future of sport development.

Held in a collaborative and informal setting, the workshop focused on topics including coach development, officiating, National Federation support, and the evolving delivery of sport development programme.

During the workshop, Olympic Solidarity hosted roundtable discussions giving participants an opportunity to exchange feedback, ideas and perspectives on existing programmes and future collaboration opportunities.

Participant feedback strongly highlighted the value of the workshop as a trusted environment for open discussion, practical learning and networking across International Federations. Many participants - particularly first-time attendees, but also experienced delegates who had attended numerous workshops - emphasised the importance of having a collaborative and non-political space in which to share challenges, ideas and experiences openly.

ASDEC Chair Deqa NIAMKEY, Development Director at United World Wrestling, highlighted after the workshop:

"The ASDEC Workshop 2026 was a great success, offering International Federations a wide range of relevant topics, including updates on the current trends and landscape of sports business industry, participation programmes, and strategies for entering new markets," Niamkey said.

"The workshop also fostered meaningful discussions with key partners focused on the development and growth of our sports. It continues to serve as an important platform for networking, exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and transferring knowledge, all in line with ASOIF’s broader good governance strategy."

The workshop concept is fully aligned with the third strategic pillar of the ASOIF Strategy 2026–2032, which focuses, among other priorities, on developing and modernising platforms for shared learning and adding value by addressing member priorities and sector developments.

Read More: From AI to Officiating, ASOIF Workshop Explores Future of Sport Development