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)
 

#development

Italy Organizes UWW Level 3 Technical Course for Coaches

Monday, February 9, 2026 - 09:49 By United World Wrestling Press

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CESEBATICO, Italy (February 9) -- A United World Wrestling Level 3 Technical Course for coaches was successfully organized in Cesenatico, Italy from January 5 to 9, 2026. The course was organized in collaboration with UWW and the FIJLKAM.

Organised after a international tournament, the course brought together 33 coaches from Italy and other countries, including Germany, Poland, Croatia and Ivory Coast creating a rich environment for technical exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

This tournament provided an important practical framework for the educational programme, allowing coaches to observe real competition situations, analyze match management and technical-tactical aspects, and directly link theoretical learning to high-level competitive practice.

The programme was led by UWW Development Officer Vincent AKA, with practical sessions conducted by Olympic Champion and UWW expert Komeil GHASEMI. The course followed the new UWW education pathway, focusing on advanced coaching competencies for high-performance environments.

Italy

The key topics in the course included coaching philosophy and leadership, advanced planning and periodization, pedagogical situations and match analysis, technical and tactical development, safeguarding, anti-doping and athlete protection and introduction to Beach Wrestling.

Both theoretical and practical evaluations were conducted, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real coaching situations. At the conclusion of the course, all successful participants were awarded the UWW Level 3 Coaching Certificate.

"I want to thank everyone for this course, for what you did, and for how we got along together," Carmelo RICCARDO, a coach and participant said. "It was a wonderful experience and very interesting course. Thanks to the UWW and FIJLKAM for these important opportunities for growth."

The Italian Wrestling Federation provided high-quality facilities, with classrooms and training venues meeting international standards. All activities were centralized at Villaggio Accademia Cesenatico, ensuring optimal logistical conditions for both learning and training.

The course benefited from the continuous presence of national federation representatives, including the Technical and Sports Directors, as well as the participation of FIJLKAM leadership during the closing ceremony—demonstrating strong institutional commitment to coach education.

After the course, it achieved its educational and development objectives. The combination of high-level technical content, structured evaluations, international expertise, and strong human values.

The course not only strengthened the competencies of participating coaches but also reinforced Italy’s role as a key hub for wrestling education and excellence in Europe, contributing sustainably to the long-term development of the sport.

Sustainability

From a sustainability perspective, the use of the covered stadium contributed to the efficient organization of Beach Wrestling activities by optimizing existing infrastructure. By adapting a multi-purpose covered venue for Beach Wrestling sessions, the organizers limited the need for additional temporary installations, reduced logistical and environmental impact, and ensured continuity of activities regardless of weather conditions.

This approach reflects UWW’s commitment to sustainable event organization through the рационal use of facilities and long-term infrastructure legacy.