WomenLeadSports

Women Lead Sports Master Program Graduates 40

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 24) -- Last week, Women Lead Sports Master Program celebrated the graduation of the new generation of women leaders within the wrestling world.

World-renowned expert Gabriela Mueller spearheaded the course with over 40 participants -- 95% women – from all five continents.

The objectives of the Women Lead Sports Master Program were to empower participants to shape the future of wrestling as a global sport, increase a diverse talent pool in leadership within UWW at all levels, and to learn effective leadership strategies, techniques, and applicable tactics that work today.

“Despite the challenges related to COVID, we managed to organize another successful virtual leadership programme to advance the gender equality topic in our sport. As part of the strategic plan 2022-2026, we hope to see more women and men of the future generations in leadership positions,” said Deqa Niamkey, UWW’s Development Director.

Participants learned valuable communication tactics that’ll assist them in negotiations and persuasions through the course’s interactive breakout sessions and discussions. They also learned how to build their personal power and influence and how to use them when persuading voters and key decision-makers.

“United World Wrestling and Deqa Niamkey, with her Leadership, once again models what leaders do: empower new leaders who empower more leaders.” She continued, saying, “to the team, to every participant who is now proudly displayed as a graduate of the program and amplifying their impact under," said the award-winning trainer and coach, Mueller.

Women Lead Sports Master Program Topics:
- Personal Power and Influence
- Stakeholder management and use of skills navigating politics
- Self-awareness of personal leadership style, areas of development and strengths
- Communication and Persuasion skills
- Negotiation skills
- Networking, sponsoring, mentoring, and lobbying skills
- Self-confidence, courage and assertiveness
- Sport Electoral year and best practices
- Leading in male-dominated environments with success and authenticity.

Women Lead Sports Master Program Graduates: https://www.womenleadsports.com/sports/wrestling-freestyle?fbclid=IwAR3p2Q5KsmYVwA54ILYv5F8Mb-ww7hnBahua72Nf7KZOCCWubaF_oE6BaGg

#development

ASDEC Chair Niamkey Leads Workshop on Sports Development

By United World Wrestling Press

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