Grappling

Wrestling Signs Streaming Agreement with FloGrappling for World C'Ships

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - 18:37 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 29) – United World Wrestling has partnered with US-based FloGrappling to provide live stream and on-demand coverage of the World Grappling Championships through 2020. The three-year deal will include all men’s and women’s, gi and no-gi championships.

Grappling is a non-Olympic style of United World Wrestling with several events held annually around the world. United World Wrestling’s Grappling Commission oversees the competitions, sets rules and awards host cities for events like the World Grappling Championships.

“Grappling is a worldwide phenomenon and we are looking forward to working with FloSports to showcase our style to fans everywhere on FloGrappling.com,” said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. “We’re confident FloGrappling’s coverage of the World Grappling Championships will give the sport new energy and attract more athletes and fans.”

The 2018 Grappling World Championships will feature national teams from Russia, Poland, France, Iran, Ukraine, Italy, Azerbaijan, Kryzgstan, Brazil, the United States and more.

The four-day competition will run September 6-9 at the Daulet Sports Complex in Astana, Kazakhstan.

About FloSports

FloSports, the innovator in live digital sports and original content, partners with event rights holders, governing bodies, and other media companies to unlock a world of sports coverage that true fans have been waiting for. Through live streaming of premier events, original video programming, and weekly studio shows, FloSports is growing the sports, the events, the athletes, and the fans. Current verticals under the FloSports header include Rugby, Basketball, MMA, Football, Wrestling, Track, Gymnastics, Hockey, and more.

 

Obituary

Habibi, Iran's first Olympic champion, dies aged 94

Monday, August 25, 2025 - 09:42 By United World Wrestling Press

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TEHRAN, Iran (August 24) -- Emamali HABIBI (IRI), Iran's first-ever Olympic gold medalist and United World Wrestling Hall of Fame member, passed away Sunday aged 94.

Habibi was born Babol in 1931 and won the first Olympic gold medal for Iran in 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Facing Alimbeg BESTAEV in the final round to decide the gold medalist, Habibi secured a fall in the 67kg final and etched his name in history, became first Olympic champion for Iran.

It was a rare feat in those times as he had never wrestled at an international event before the Olympics. He would make his World Championships debut in 1959, winning gold medal at 73kg. He defended his title in 1961 and added a third gold medal in 1962 at 78kg.

Emamali HABIBI (IRI)Emamali HABIBI (IRI) with his World Championships gold medal.

He participated in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome at 73kg and finished fourth. Habibi also has a gold medal at the 1958 Asian Games, held in Tokyo, Japan.

Habibi's legacy also includes his diverse wrestling techniques and speed on the mat which allowed him to win bouts with domination. He is widely considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of his times. He was included in the UWW Hall of Fame in 2007 for his contribution to wrestling.

UWW offers its condolences to Iran Wrestling Federation and the Habibi family.