Top Stories of the Decade

Wrestling Introduces New Weight Categories, Gender Equity, and Ranking Series

Sunday, December 29, 2019 - 14:09 By Eric Olanowski

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CORSIER-SUR -VEVEY, Switzerland (December 29) -- The growth of international wrestling since 2010 has required a number of changes, but few have seemed to impact as many wrestlers and fans as the addition of weight categories, expansion of women's opportunities, and the introduction of a yearlong competition calendar, knowns as the Ranking Series.

 Heading into the 2017 World Championships in Paris, Wrestling enjoyed eight weight categories in each style, with six aimed at Olympic participation. During a bureau meeting at the event, it was decided to increase that total allotment to 10 weight categories and slightly shift a number of weight categories across the styles to better match anticipated participation. The additional weights also prompted a two-day format with same-day weigh-ins.

"These improvements made are incredible for the sport of wrestling," UWW President Nenad Lalović said at the time. "Our sport has never been stronger, and I believe that with the new categories and the improved competition format we will see continued growth in participation, support and viewership. I also believe these new rules will also encourage healthier wrestlers."

Another significant shift in the sport came with the launch of the Ranking Series in 2018, which uses four previously independent events, plus the world and continental championships to determine a points champion for the season. The rankings also determine the top seeds at the world championships and Olympic Games. 

“The Ranking Series makes it easier for fans, athletes, and coaches to understand the impact of each tournament and match," said Lalovic.

The Ranking Series was tweaked heading into the 2019 season with more weight placed on the number of participants to help determine the ultimate allocation of points per event. The shift proved prescient as participation in the events more than doubled in 2019.

As of 2019, the points earned from the World Championships, Continental Championships and Ranking Series events are as follows:

Wrestling’s growth hasn’t been contained to competition formats. In an effort to ensure better governance and compliance with IOC norms, wrestling has reached out to female leaders around the world to ensure their participation in the sport’s growth. Wrestling has utilized national federations, IOC-backed initiatives, and created an annual Women in Wrestling Global Forum to ensure increased outreach and education of women in the wrestling community.

“The past few years has seen wrestling provide more opportunities to female leaders and competitors than ever before,” said UWW Development Director Deqa Niamkey. “I’m pleased with our growth and looking forward to the next ten years!”

In addition to professional opportunities for women in wrestling, there has also been a much-increased focus on their mat achievements. From photos to stories to documentaries the women of wrestling are covered equally to men and have enjoyed several breakout moments, including many listed in the Top Ten Stories of the Decade.

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UWW and Inspire Institute of Sport host first-ever coaching course

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 13:22 By United World Wrestling Press

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VIJAYANAGAR, India (July 9) -- United World Wrestling hosted a international coaching course at Inspire Institute of Sport in India from June 27 to July 1.

This was the first-ever coaching course held in India under the partnership that UWW signed with IIS in 2024 to help develop wrestling in India. The Level 2 coaching course was led by July and was lead by Ahmed KHEDHRI (TUN).

"The group was distinguished by a wide diversity of experiences and backgrounds, which added a special richness to the discussions and allowed for fruitful exchanges of ideas and practices," Khedhri said. "The coaches’ enthusiasm and commitment to enhancing their knowledge and skills to serve wrestling in their respective countries were clearly evident. This positive interaction added a dynamic and engaging spirit to the course, making it a truly rich and effective educational experience."

The Level 2 coaching course focused on the designing and implementing of practice plans and had nine coaches from three countries namely India, Singapore, and Nigeria that participated in the course.

The course covered various topics including seven basic skills of wrestling, introduction to performance analysis designing effective practice sessions, risk management, mental development, Anti-Doping, environmental impact and included technical sessions. During the course, the coaches actively practiced and developed their skills through practical evaluations.

"The course was very successful and impactful. It was truly excellent, characterized by clarity, depth, and practical application that added real value for all participants. I feel deeply grateful and very excited, as this was our first education clinic, through which we have already seen many promising potentials and future opportunities," Rishabh CHAUHAN, Head of Sports Excellence Program at IIS, said.

INDParticipants at the  Level 2 coaching course work through designing and implementing a wrestling practice plan. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Quotes from some of the participants:

Timothy Loh Yu (SGP)

“Completing the UWW Coaching Course Level 2 was an enriching experience that deepened my technical knowledge and coaching philosophy. The course focused on athlete-centered development, advanced planning, and effective communication. Key takeaways included structuring training cycles, integrating strength and conditioning, and applying sports science for better athlete management. Practical sessions improved my technical instruction and feedback skills. Overall, the course strengthened my confidence and commitment to continuous learning. The venue, facilities, accommodation, and the facilitation by Mr. Ahmed were also excellent and supported the success of the program.”

Gurpreet Kaur (IND)

“I would like to express my gratitude for facilitating the UWW Level 2 Coaches Course. The course was highly informative, engaging, and practical, covering key topics such as basic wrestling skills, training phases and periodization, video analysis, practice planning, nutrition and weight management, and athlete management. It has deepened my perspective as a coach and equipped me with practical tools to use in my training sessions. To further enhance learning, incorporating more case studies, video breakdowns of real matches, and live or recorded athlete demonstrations could strengthen technical and tactical understanding. Overall, the course struck a good balance between theory and real-life application.”

Blessing Oborududu (NGR)

“The UWW Level 2 Coaching Course has been a game-changer for me. I’ve gained practical skills to enhance my coaching, including analyzing and correcting techniques, planning effective training programs, and applying strength & conditioning and nutrition to optimize athlete performance. I’ve also developed leadership and communication skills to foster a supportive training environment. This course has truly elevated my coaching abilities and will help me better support my athletes’ growth and success.”