Good Governance

Wrestling Cited for Good Governance in Recent ASOIF Report

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 22) -- A recent report issued by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) cited United World Wrestling as having above average standards for Good Governance.

ASOIF, a non-profit association affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, hired the independent sports governance consultancy I Trust Sport to review the responses and moderate the scores for all participating member federations.

The report specifically recognized United World Wrestling's commitment as best practices for publishing the details of elected officials biographies, including CV's and a conflicts of interest statement (Example). The UWW website also notes the election dates and terms for each bureau member. (Example)

'We are pleased with our progress in regards to Good Governance," said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalvoic. "We have made significant progress since 2013 and for an independent consultancy to verify our dedication to transparency is a meaningful moment for wrestling and we remain dedicated to continuing this progress linked to good governance."

Overall, wrestling was placed into the A2 category of the Good Governance review.

Obituary

Japan legend Hanahara passes away at 84

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 9) -- United World Wrestling and the Japanese Wrestling Federation, with heavy hearts, announce the passing of Mr. Tsutomu HANAHARA, a revered Olympic champion who etched his name in history through his extraordinary feats in the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mr. Hanahara, at the age of 84, passed away February 5th, 2024, at approximately 23:00, succumbing to illness.

Mr. Hanahara's crowning achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he captured the hearts of a nation by defeating Angel KERESOV (BUL), clinching the 52kg Greco-Roman gold medal.

Following his career on the mat, Mr. Hanahara continued to shape the landscape of Greco-Roman wrestling in Japan, assuming the role as Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation. His leadership was instrumental in propelling the Japanese wrestling team to new heights, notably steering them at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

As a coach, Mr. Hanahara led his alma mater, Nippon Sports Science University, to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships, spanning from 1979 to 1996.

Mr. Hanahara's passion for wrestling carried over to his son and grandson. His son, Daisuke HANAHARA (JPN), finished in 11th place at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he competed in the 57kg Greco-Roman bracket. Furthermore, his grandson, Hiroto HANAHARA (JPN), clinched a 57kg freestyle bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships.

UWW and the Japan Wrestling Federation mourn the passing Mr. Hanahara and express our deepest sympathies to the Hanahara family.