European Games

World No.1's Beleniuk, Semenov Among Greco Semifinalists at European Games

Saturday, June 29, 2019 - 11:21 By United World Wrestling Press

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MINSK, Belarus (June 29) - World No.1 Greco-Roman wrestlers Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) and Sergey SEMENOV (RUS) were among the dozen wrestlers to reach the semifinals of the European Games in Greco-Roman on Saturday at the Minsk Sports Palace. 

Beleniuk, a 2015 world champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist, opened his tournament at 87kg with a tough test against 2017 world champion Maksim MANUKYAN (ARM). The Armenian scored first and led 1-0 at the break, but Beleniuk scored five unanswered points in the second period to win 5-1. He then claimed a 9-1 technical superiority over Arkadiusz KULYNYCZ (POL). Beleniuk will face world No.6 Radzik KULIYEU (BLR) in the semifinals.

Also at 87kg, two-time U23 world medalist Islam ABBASOV (AZE) topped two-time world bronze medalist Viktor LORINCZ (HUN) in the quarterfinals. His semifinal opponent will be Ivan HUKLEK (CRO), who advanced to the semifinals by beating Bekkhan OZDOEV (RUS). Ozdoev knocked off two-time returning world champion Metehan BASAR (TUR) 5-0 in a preliminary match, scoring all five of his points in the opening period.

Semenov, a returning world champion and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, opened with a 2-0 victory over Jello KRAHMER (GER) before defeating U23 world silver medalist Osman YILDIRIM (TUR) 7-1 in the quarterfinals. He will now meet Kiryl HRYSHCHANKA (BLR), one of three semifinalists for Belarus. The other semifinal at 130kg pits world No.7 Oskar MARVIK (NOR) against European silver medalist Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO).

Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM), a 2016 Olympic champion and three-time world champion, had to come from behind in each of his first two matches on Saturday to reach the semifinals at 97kg. In his first match, Aleksanyan gave up the first point against 2017 world bronze medalist Revazi NADAREISHVILI (GEO), but came back to win 2-1. In the quarterfinals, Daniel GASTL (AUT) took a 1-0 lead on Aleksanyan to the break. The 27-year-old Armenian came back with three unanswered points in the second period to win 3-1. His semifinal opponent will be two-time U23 world champion Aleksandr GOLOVIN (RUS). 

Olympic bronze medalist Cenk ILDEM (TUR) moved into the semifinals at 97kg with a 7-5 victory over world No.5 Mihail KAJALA (SRB). Ildem will face Aliaksandr HRABOVIK (BLR) in the semifinals.

Saturday's semifinal matches are scheduled to begin at 18:00 local time.

SEMIFINAL MATCHUPS

87kg
SEMIFINAL - Ivan HUKLEK (CRO) vs. Islam ABBASOV (AZE)
SEMIFINAL - Radzik KULIYEU (BLR) vs. Zhan BELENIUK (UKR)

97kg
SEMIFINAL - Aliaksandr HRABOVIK (BLR) vs. Cenk ILDEM (TUR)
SEMIFINAL - Aleksandr GOLOVIN (RUS) vs. Artur ALEKSANYAN (ARM)

130kg
SEMIFINAL - Kiryl HRYSHCHANKA (BLR) vs. Sergey SEMENOV (RUS)
SEMIFINAL - Iakobi KAJAIA (GEO) vs. Oskar MARVIK (NOR)
 

UWW's Event Organization Workshop heats up in Athens

Friday, August 1, 2025 - 07:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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ATHENS, Greece (July 30) -- United World Wrestling held a new edition of its Event Organization Workshop in Athens, Greece, from July 24-29.

The activity was conducted by the UWW Sports Department and took place on the sidelines of the U17 World Championships, offering participants an immersive experience to learn directly within the context of a major international event.

A total of 25 participants from 16 countries attended the workshop -- with nearly 50 percent of the attendees being women -- representing national federations and upcoming event organizers.

The attendees took part in theoretical sessions and field-based learning covering critical areas such as accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics. They also had the chance to observe the live execution of the Championships, attend the Technical Conference, and tour key competition areas.

The Local Organizing Committee played an important role in supporting the delivery of the workshop, facilitating access to venues, providing logistical coordination, and sharing their experience in hosting a major international event. Their collaboration was key to ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

To complement the technical content, the group also enjoyed a cultural visit to the Acropolis, one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This excursion helped foster exchange and camaraderie among participants, while providing a connection to the host city’s rich heritage.

UWW
Attendees walk through accreditation, sport presentation, information technology tools, event operations, and venue logistics at the Event Organization Workshop in Athens. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The workshop was facilitated by members of the UWW team, who shared their expertise and provided hands-on guidance throughout the sessions. The collaborative format encouraged knowledge exchange and open dialogue, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants expressed high satisfaction with the content and format of the workshop, noting its relevance and practicality. The mix of classroom instruction, real-event exposure, and networking opportunities made the experience both educational and inspiring.

This edition of the Event Organization Workshop reinforced UWW’s commitment to building local capacities and delivering high-standard wrestling events across the world. Athens 2025 once again proved the value of this initiative and the importance of continuing to invest in professional training for sport event delivery.

Ramil AHMADOV, UWW Senior Competition Manager, and Yuri MAIER, Sports & Development Officer, conducted the workshop. We were honored to have Theodoros HAMAKOS, Vice-President of UWW, award the certificates.