Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

Monday, June 30, 2025 - 11:52 By United World Wrestling Press

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CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.

#Grappling

U20 European Grappling: Poland Shines but Russia Remains Best

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - 10:06 By United World Wrestling Press

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YEREVAN, Armenia (May 26) — Poland flexed its strength in the heavier divisions while Russia piled up medals across categories at the U20 European Grappling Championships in Yerevan on Tuesday, with Germany also celebrating a standout gold through Damian David GRANCZYK at 66kg.

The Poles were particularly impressive in the upper weights. Kamil Konrad DZIKOWSKI claimed the 100kg title ahead of Yaroslav TOROPII (UKR). Armenia’s Samvel ATIKYAN taking bronze on home soil.

Mateusz KUCA (POL) resigned supreme at 84kg. Poland also produced medallists in 92kg, where Jakub JUCHNO finished on the top of the podium ahead of Ion SILI (MDA), underlining the country’s growing depth in the heavier classes of European grappling.

Russia, however, once again showed its overall dominance by placing wrestlers on nearly every podium. Russian athletes won titles at 62kg, 71kg, 77kg and 130kg, while also securing multiple silver and bronze medals.

At 130kg, Abubakr MAKASHARIPOV (RUS) took gold ahead of Ukraine’s Bohdan AKOPOV, with Gasan KHASAEV (RUS) settling for bronze in an all-Eastern European dominated podium.

Germany’s Granczyk was among the day’s standout performers. He captured the 66kg title, finishing ahead of Stanislav ROMANCHENKO (RUS), while Ukraine picked up both bronze medals through Vadym SIROSHTAN and Dmytro PRUT.

Russia swept the top two spots at 62kg through gold medallist Fedor RIABOV and silver winner Zaur ILIASOV, with Edgar SIMONYAN (ARM) finishing third. The hosts had more to celebrate in the 58kg category, where Aram SARGSYAN (ARM) beat Vanik SARGSYAN (ARM) to win the gold. Adam Magomedovich MAGOMEDOV (RUS) clinched the bronze.

At 71kg, Oliwier PRZERWA (POL) earned silver behind Sultanakhmed SULTANAKHMEDOV (RUS), while Malik MUKHTAROV completed a double podium finish for Russia with bronze.

Ukraine enjoyed a strong campaign too, especially in the middle and heavier weights. Suleiman MAMUTOV (UKR) won silver at 77kg and Lev TSEMKO (UKR) added bronze at 84kg.

In the women's section, Russia and Poland continued their stranglehold, winning two gold medals each. But the loudest cheers inside the arena were reserved for Taguhi KHONDKARYAN, who finished ahead of fellow Armenian Mkrtaryan YELENA in a home-dominated 64kg category.

At 49kg, Hanna Gabriela SZPAKOWSKA (POL) broke the heart of home favourite Astghik HAYRAPETYAN (ARM) clinched the title with a 18-6 win in the final.

Russia then tightened its grip on the tournament. Elmira GALLIAMOVA won the 53kg gold medal in an all-Russian final against Valeriia SHCHIROVA, while Alva Linnea PANNWITZ (GER) claimed bronze to ensure another podium finish for the Germans after Damian Granczyk’s triumph in the men’s section.

The 58kg category also belonged entirely to Russia. Alisa GOLUB (RUS) defeated compatriot Ilda DAVLETSHINA (RUS) in the final, with Ukraine’s Kseniia POLIAK taking bronze.

Poland, which had already impressed in the heavier men’s divisions, carried that momentum into the women’s 90kg event. Maja Teresa SALAMON (POL) took gold, while compatriot Karolina KARALUS added bronze, sandwiching Russia’s Vlada BOIAKCHIEVA in second place.

The results underlined Russia’s continued dominance in European grappling, finishing on top of the team rankings in both, men and women's sections.