Television

Wrestling Signs with Eurosport for TV and Digital Coverage Through 2020

Thursday, September 13, 2018 - 16:31 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 12) – United World Wrestling has signed a three-year distribution agreement with Eurosport, the largest carrier of Olympic content in Europe.

The agreement, which runs until 2020, will see Eurosport showcase premier wrestling events like the World and European Championships, and broadcast them across 54 nation in Europe 16 in the Asia-Pacific region. The content will be available on linear, online and the Eurosport Player.

Eurosport’s coverage will begin this October in Budapest with highlight shows from the World Wrestling Championships. Next year, Eurosport is set to add to its coverage with action from the European Wrestling Championships from Bucharest, Romania.  Eurosport will also support the growth of wrestling via a series of TV and digital campaigns to run on its platforms for the duration of the deal.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Eurosport and improving the level of exposure across Europe,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “We believe this partnership took a significant step forward last year during the successful World Championships in Paris and look to build on that for our major Championships and in the lead up to Tokyo 2020.”

Defending Olympic champion Risako KAWAI (JPN) at practice earlier this year in Tokyo. (Photo: Max Rose-Fyne)

Eurosport has committed to televising the top wrestling events on Eurosport platforms until 2020.

“We want to emphasize that sports such as wrestling are more than a series of events that only takes place at the Olympics. This partnership strengthens Eurosport’s ambition to tell year-round stories of current and future Olympians,” said Laurent Prud’homme, Eurosport SVP Rights Acquisitions and Syndication.

“Securing an agreement with the UWW will allow fans across Europe and the Asia-Pacific to follow their heroes in the lead-up to Tokyo. Equally, this also gives us the opportunity to educate sports fans who perhaps don’t know too much about wrestling.”

 

 

#development

Women's coaches and referees course held in Colombia

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 12:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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RIONEGRO, Colombia (April 23) -- An unprecedented international course, exclusively for Spanish-speaking female coaches and referees, was held in Rionegro, Colombia from April 16 to 18.

Organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) with support from Olympic Solidarity, the event took place at the Recinto Quirama, gathering 33 participants from 15 Latin American countries.

The course was inaugurated by UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY, UWW Sport and Development Officer Yuri Maier and member of the UWW Americas Executive Committee Fanny ECHEVERRY.

The educational sessions were led by Rafael GALVA LEBRON, an Olympic referee and member of the UWW Referee Commission, known for his passionate and dynamic teaching style and Raul TRUJILLO DIAZ, one of the most respected Greco-Roman wrestling coaches globally, recognized for guiding the legendary Olympic champion Mijain LOPEZ (CUB).

Throughout three days filled with camaraderie, learning, and solidarity, the participants engaged in integrated theoretical and practical sessions conducted in a shared venue.

This approach facilitated dynamic exchanges, ongoing dialogue between coaches and referees, and created a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The course activities included live simulations, technical analyses, motivational talks, and workshops on leadership and personal development.

Notably, the event featured motivational speeches by Jackeline RENTERIA, Colombia's two-time Olympic medalist and a leading figure in Women's Wrestling on the continent, and Jessica ECHEVERRY, President of the Risaraldense Wrestling League.

Both speakers emphasized shared experiences and the importance of women supporting each other beyond individual differences.

COLParticipants listen to United World Wrestling's Development Department's opening remarks. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

"This course was a significant opportunity to continue learning and to give back to the sport that has given me so much," Nes RODRIGUEZ (PUR) said. "Now, as a sports director, my goal is to inspire children and youth by showing them that sports can provide a life full of opportunities beyond any hardships."

Other expressed how motivated they were after attending the courses.

"It reminded me of the importance of never giving up, not only as a coach but also as a woman," Keliyojana VAZQUEZ (MEX) said. "I'm returning home with new tools to improve my work and appreciate myself more in every aspect."

"I leave with the commitment to build networks of support and communication among us," Paula GRAJALES (COL) said. "We are friends and colleagues who must unite to grow together and continue transforming our communities and the sport."

The pioneering course, aligned with the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) agenda of the International Olympic Committee, represented a historic milestone for women's wrestling in Latin America

The notable personal growth experienced by the participants confirmed that when women come together and put aside competition, they significantly amplify their transformative power, strengthening the future of women's sports in the region.