#TurkiyeWrestling

UWW mourns death of nine wrestlers 

Friday, February 10, 2023 - 18:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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COSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 11) -- Five days after multiple earthquakes hit the Kahramanmaraş province in southwest Turkiye, nine wrestlers were confirmed dead on Friday.  

In the aftermath of the earthquake which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, people were stuck under the rubble and large-scale efforts are still continuing to save lives.

The following are the nine wrestlers that we have lost:

Mehmet ESKISARILI
Ahmet TAS
Ali GURSOY
Eray SIMSEK
Halil EDIRNE
Hasan SARITURK
Ozan TATLI
Ahmet DURMAN
Aslan EKIZ

United World Wrestling mourns their death.

"It is with a heavy heart to report we have lost nine wrestlers in the earthquakes that took place on February 6,” Nenad LALOVIC, UWW President, said “I ask that we remember these wrestlers, say their names aloud and pray for them and their families. The whole entire wrestling community is devastated by the loss of these young men who had a bright future ahead of them.”

More than 25,000 people have died so far as the earthquake hit Kahramanmaraş, affecting southwest Turkiye and northwest Syria.

A U20 wrestling tournament finished hours a night before the earthquake struck. Teams from France, Uzbekistan, Kosvo and Turkiye were participating in it. All the international wrestlers were sent home safely the next day. However, with the wrestling club demolished, a few Turkish wrestlers were stuck under the rubble.

On the first day, 21 wrestlers were saved immediately and others were subsequently rescued from under the rubble.

Olympic champion Taha AKGUL (TUR) was among the first ones to call for help and save the "30-40 wrestlers" stuck under the rubble. Four-time world champion Riza KAYAALP (TUR), Kerem KAMAL (TUR) and many others have volunteered and reached the earthquake-affected areas. They have joined hands to help and rescue the victims. The wrestling community around the world has shown support and donated to help Turkiye.

President of the Turkish Wrestling Federation Seref EROGLU, who belongs to Kahramanmaras, has been present at the site from the first day and joined the rescue operations.

#development

UWW hosts fifth Women in Wrestling Global Forum in Mongolia

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - 11:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (October 14) -- The fifth edition of the Women in Wrestling Global Forum 2025 took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from October 7 to 11, bringing together more than 34 women leaders, athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators from 21 countries.

Hosted by the Mongolian Wrestling Federation and the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, the Forum was opened by representatives of the Mongolian Wrestling Federation and the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, including the NOC Vice President Choijgavaa NARAMBAATAR.

The opening session reflected the support of United World Wrestling’s leadership, represented by UWW Vice Presidents Natalia YARIGUINA and Rodica YAKSI, Bureau Members, and the Development team. All the speakers highlighted UWW's commitment to gender equality and leadership education.

"It was a great Forum," Yaksi said. "We have participants from all continents and from around the world. Some were coaches, wrestlers, referees, and some in sports administration. We tried different activities to make every one comfortable."

Guided by UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY and educators Rafael GALVA and Edit DOZSA, the Forum offered leadership sessions, practical workshops, and cultural experiences. The participants explored stakeholder engagement, communication styles, sustainability, coaching strategies, and athlete safety.

In a special segment, Mariana DIAZ MUNOZ (MEX) and Marina RUEDA FLORES (ESP) presented "Luchadoras de Iberoamérica," a joint project promoting female empowerment in sport. Olympic medalist and Kyrgyzstan's first world champion Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ) shared her journey from being a national pioneer and creating history for Kyrgyzstan. 

The Forum participants visited the Chinggis Khaan Museum and attended a traditional wrestling "Bokh" session in Ulaanbaatar and learned about the origins of wrestling the country.

"The whole program was an amazing experience," Yaksi said. "The biggest achievement of this Forum over the years is that it brings together people of different field who are ready to help each other grow in wrestling."