#Anti-Doping

UWW strengthens its anti-doping education program

By Eric Olanowski

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 19) --- United World Wrestling (UWW) has placed a strong emphasis on upholding the integrity of competitions and promoting Clean Wrestling. In collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA), UWW has launched a series of five webinars focused on anti-doping.

The series commences July 6, with one-hour webinars being held every week during July. The topics cover all essentials aspects of anti-doping for athletes and athletes support personnel, from the doping control processes to medication and supplements, or the principles and values of clean sport. 

UWW asks that all that all athletes in the 2023 Senior World Championships be able to demonstrate basic knowledge on anti-doping, by either attending all five webinars and obtaining their final certificate, or by showing a training certificate obtained from another recognized organization (National Anti-doping Organizations or WADA’s Adel education platform). 

“Our fight for clean sport is a permanent commitment, and education is an essential component of this fight,” said Mr Lalovic. “I already thank all wrestlers who take their responsibilities in this regard.”

The links to the webinars can be found here. Simultaneous translation from English to Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish. 

The course is open to athlete and athletes support personnel from all ages, in all styles and disciplines (Olympic styles, Associated Styles).

UWW and Iran sign MoU to bring Chouke under Associated Styles

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 20) — United World Wrestling and the Iran Wrestling Federation took a significant step to promote Choukhe, signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding.

The MoU will enable both organizations to work together to promote and protect Chouke, a traditional form of wrestling, under the UWW Associated Styles.

Both UWW and the Iranian federation will also work to develop Chouke under their umbrella. This agreement's objective is to facilitate the protection, development, and promotion of Chouke. As per the agreement, both parties will hold regular meetings to exchange ideas and share knowledge.

Chouke is a traditional form of wrestling in Iran with wrestlers performing on mud in a marked circular ring. Each bout is of five minutes with more than one bout conducted at the same time. In case of a tie with a one-minute break, three minutes of extra time are added. Within three minutes, the wrestler who earns the first point will be the winner.

This style of wrestling does not allow the wrestler to touch his opponent's legs. The bout can only be fought with grips above the waist. There are different ways to score points in Chouke.

One point is awarded for a takedown, two points are awarded if a throw is completed outside the ring, and one if completed inside. Most other moves award only one point. A fall occurs when even one shoulder touches the ground.

Both wrestlers have to wear the official clothes to compete in Chouke. A t-shirt, a special jacket and a short are considered to be official outfit. The shirt must be long enough to go below the waist and the sleeves be long till the elbow. A strong cloth belt must be tied around the waist of the wrestlers and is fixed at the back and the wrestlers compete barefoot.

The old form of wrestling has a special place in Iranian history, and the agreement will help with its growth and development in Iran. UWW's commitment to work closely with the Iran federation for Chouke is in line with its vision to grow and promote all the traditional forms of the oldest form of the sport.