#OffTheMat

What makes Amir Yazdani Olympic wrestling's next big super star?

Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 14:04 By Eric Olanowski

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ISTANBUL, Turkey (June 29) --- In a country that’s birthed some of wrestling’s biggest stars, Amir YAZDANI (IRI) is on the cusp of becoming a household name. He has the perfect mix of attack-first style of wrestling, a massive smile and boatloads of energy – on and off the mat – which makes the 21-year-old a perfect candidate to be wrestling’s next big thing.

In our latest #OffTheMat special, we sat down with Yazdani to talk about his introduction into wrestling and how having one of wrestling’s most-famous last names impacted his path into the sport. He also walked us through his breakout performance at the 2021 World Championships where he reached the world finals.

Furthermore, Yazdani discussed the difficulties that came along with handing Iran their 65kg berth to the Tokyo Olympic Games but falling short in Iran’s Olympic wrestle off and how that impacted him in moving up to 70kg. He also talked about his #PathToParis and how 74kg is the likely destination over the next few years.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

Lalovic meets Kyrgyzstan President, awarded Order of Friendship

Monday, December 8, 2025 - 08:25 By United World Wrestling Press

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (December 8) -- United World Wrestling President Nenad LALOVIC visited Kyrgyzstan on an official visit last week and was received by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr JAPAROV.

The two met in Bishkek and discussed Kyrgyzstan's success in wrestling, and the Kyrgyz President noted UWW's contribution towards the development of wrestling and expressed confidence that under Lalovic's leadership the sport will continue to develop dynamically around the world.

UWW AsiaUWW Asia President Mohammed AL-AMAMLEH, left, receives the Certificate of Honor of the Kyrgyz Republic.

UWW Asia President Mohammed AL-AMAMLEH was also present during the meeting and acknowledged the contribution of the continental organization towards growing wrestling.

After the meeting, Japarov awarded Lalovic for his great contribution to the development of wrestling in Kyrgyzstan and raising the status of wrestling on the world stage. In turn, Lalovich presented Japarov with the UWW Order.

Awamleh was awarded with the Certificate of Honor of the Kyrgyz Republic.