European Games

World No.1's Sadulaev, Cherkasova Cruise into Semifinals at European Games

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 11:22 By United World Wrestling Press

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MINSK, Belarus (June 26) - World No. 1's Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS) and Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR) cruised into the semifinals of the European Games on Wednesday in Minsk, Belarus. 

Sadulaev, a 2016 Olympic champion and three-time world champion, was unscored upon in his first two matches at 97kg. He opened his tournament with a first-period 11-0 technical superiority over Mihaly SZABO (HUN). He then won 6-0 over Magomedgadji NUROV (MKD) in the quarterfinals. Sadulaev's semifinal opponent will be European silver medalist Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), ranked No.8 in the world. 

The semifinal on the bottom side of the 97kg bracket will pit Nurmagomed GADZHIYEV (AZE) against Murazi MCHEDLIDZE (UKR). Gadzhiyev, a European bronze medalist and past junior world champion, defeated world No.4 Elizbar ODIKADZE (GEO) 7-3. Mchedlidze edged Nicolai CEBAN (MDA) 6-5 in the quarterfinals. 

Cherkasova, a returning world champion and 2019 European champion, won both of her matches in the first session by technical superiority at 68kg. She shut out Sara DA COL (ITA) 10-0 in her first match before picking up a 12-2 win in the quarterfinals over Agnieszka WIESZCZEK (POL). Cherkasova will battle two-time European champion Anastasiia BRATCHIKOVA (RUS) in the semifinals. Two-time world bronze medalist Anastasija GRIGORJEVA (LAT) and Danute DOMIKAITYTE (LTU) will face off in the other semifinal at 68kg. 

Three past world medalists, including two world champions, reached the semifinals at 65kg in freestyle. Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI, a 2016 Olympic champion and 2015 world champion, topped Andrei PERPELITSA (MDA) 4-1 in the quarterfinals. He will face world No.3 Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS) in the semifinals. Chakaev, a two-time world bronze medalist, outscored his two opponents in the opening session by a combined score of 16-1. 

Three-time world champion Haji ALIYEV (AZE) trailed 5-2 after the opening period of his quarterfinal match against George KOLIEV (BLR), but came back to win 7-5. He will meet Hor OHANNESIAN (UKR) in the semifinals. 

At 53kg in women's wrestling, Nina HEMMER (GER) edged two-time world champion Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR) 7-6 in the quarterfinals. Kaladzinskaya led 4-1 after the opening period, but the 26-year-old German battled back to win. Hemmer will face Olympic bronze medalist and seven-time world medalist Sofia MATTSSON (SWE) in the semifinals. 

Mattsson, a 2015 European Games champion, opened her tournament by defeating Zeynep YETGIL (TUR) 12-4 before claiming a 10-0 technical superiority in the quarterfinals against Iulia LEORDA (MDA). 

Two-time European champion Stalvira ORSHUSH (RUS) will face Yulia KHAVALDZHY (UKR) in the other semifinal at 53kg. 

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

SEMIFINAL MATCHUPS

Freestyle 

65kg
SEMIFINAL - Vladimer KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) vs. Akhmed CHAKAEV (RUS)
SEMIFINAL - Hor OHANNESIAN (UKR) vs. Haji ALIYEV (AZE)

97kg
SEMIFINAL - Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR) vs. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RUS)
SEMIFINAL - Nurmagomed GADZHIYEV (AZE) vs. Murazi MCHEDLIDZE (UKR)

Women's Wrestling

53kg
SEMIFINAL - Nina HEMMER (GER) vs. Sofia MATTSSON (SWE)
SEMIFINAL - Stalvira ORSHUSH (RUS) vs. Yulia KHAVALDZHY (UKR)

68kg
SEMIFINAL - Danute DOMIKAITYTE (LTU) vs. Anastasija GRIGORJEVA (LAT)
SEMIFINAL - Alla CHERKASOVA (UKR) vs. Anastasiia BRATCHIKOVA (RUS)
 

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.