Anti-Doping

Wrestling Supports WADA's "Play True Day"

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 9) -- United World Wrestling has given its full endorsement of the World Anti-Doping Association's (WADA) campaign, Play True Day," posting a series of images with the top names of the sport.  

"Clean sport is vital to fair play," said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. "We appreciate these initiatives and know that the exposure helps ensure our community is receiving these important messages."

WADA has created a series of templates for athletes to also use with their own photos, which states "Play True, Play Safe." You can find their resources, here.

To see more of United World Wrestling's integration with WADA's Play True Day" head over to InstagramFacebook, or Twitter

#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.