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

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.