#WrestleBelgrade

#WrestleBelgrade Day Two GR Finals Preview

By Eric Olanowski

BELGRADE, Serbia (September 11) --- Sunday night at 18:00 (local time), we’ll hand out 2022 world title belts at 55kg, 72kg, 77kg and 87kg. 

At 55kg, fellow world champions Eldaniz AZIZLI ?? and Nugzari TSURTSUMIA ?? will meet in a rematch from the 2022 European Championships.

At 72kg, Ali ARSALAN ?? will have to get through Ulvi GANIZADE ?? to win gold on home soil and become Serbia’s fourth-ever GR world champion.

In the 77kg finals, Olympic silver medalist Akzhol MAKHMUDOV ?? will wrestle Hungary's rising star Zoltan LEVAI ??.

Defending world champion Zurabi DATUNASHVILI ?? will have his hands full in the 87kg finals as he’ll take on ’22 European Turpal BISULTANOV ??, who is undefeated on the year. He's outscored his opponents 52-1 during his ’22 campaign. 

The Day 2 finals from Belgrade begin at 18:00

Join the conversation on all social channels @UnitedWorldWrestling and use the #WrestleBelgrade. 

Finals matchups:
55kg - Nugzari TSURTSUMIA ?? vs. Eldaniz AZIZLI ?? 
72kg - Ulvi GANIZADE ?? vs. Ali ARSALAN ?? 
77kg - Akzhol MAKHMUDOV ?? vs. Zoltan LEVAI ??
87kg Turpal BISULTANOV ?? vs. Zurabi DATUNASHVILI ??

Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

By United World Wrestling Press

PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.