Development

Wrestling Delivers Referee and Coaches Course in Chinese Taipei

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 25) – United World Wrestling, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Halil Ibrahim CICIOGLU - 1s-ranked referee and member of the Referee Commission - held a referee and coaches’ course last week in Chinese Taipei.

The Level A referee course were part of the “Referee Education Pathway” a program started last year as an effort to educate and develop future generations of referees worldwide.

“His professional knowledge in wrestling sport has successful upgraded the proficiency of wrestling coaches and referees around the country,” said JANG Tsong Rong, President Chinese Taipei Wrestling Association.

“During the sessions, Prof. Ciciogiu demonstrated his excellent referee expertise through vivid speech, practical videos and excellent interaction with participants.”

The referee course in the Chinese Tapei was followed by a Level A coaching course with 20 coaches from around Chinese Taipei.

For more information on refereeing courses and opportunities please see below:

https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/wrestling_referee_brochure_eng.pdf

#BeachWrestling

Sakurai swaps mat for sand, wins Beach Wrestling gold

By Vinay Siwach

TOKYO (May 13) -- Paris Olympic champion Tsugumi SAKURAI (JPN) made a return to competition for the first time since August last year. However, it was not on the mat.

Sakurai, who won gold medal at 57kg in Paris, returned to compete in beach wrestling. She wrestled at the Japan Beach Wrestling National Team Qualifying Tournament held in Tachikawa, Tokyo on Sunday and won gold at 60kg

"It may sound strange for me to say it, but I felt that I was suited to it," Sakurai was quoted by Japan Olympic Committee.

Sakurai, who is not entered for the June 19-22 Meiji Cup, Japan's qualifying tournament for the World Championships in September, is now qualified to compete for Japan in Beach Wrestling this year.

"Since I am qualified for the international tournament, I will try to participate," she said. "I want to be number one. I'll practice on the sandy beaches of Kochi [Prefecture]."

The three-time world champion, however, did not rule out the possibility of returning to the mat soon.

"I am still practicing on the mat and when I feel like I am ready, I will be back on the mat," she said.