Anti-Doping

Zelimkhan KHADJIEV Suspended for Anti-Doping Violation

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (July 6) -- In accordance with Article 14.3 of the United World Wrestling Anti-Doping Rules (“UWW ADR”), the UWW hereby reports that the Athlete Zelimkhan KHADJIEV (France) has committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under Article 2.1 of the UWW ADR – Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample.

The sample collected from the athlete on 21 September 2019 during the UWW Senior World Championship 2019 has revealed the presence of the prohibited substance trimetazidine, listed under  S.4 Hormone and Metabolic Modulators of the 2019 and 2020 WADA Prohibited Lists and prohibited at all times.

The Athlete has been sanctioned as follows:

1. Mr Zelimkhan KHADJIEV has committed a violation of Article 2.1 of the UWW ADR.
2. Mr Zelimkhan KHADJIEV is suspended for a period of Ineligibility of 4 years.
3. The period of Ineligibility starts from the date of the decision (6 July 2020), with deduction of the provisional suspension already served by the athlete as from 21 November 2019, and shall remain in full force and effect until 20 November 2023.
4. In accordance with Articles 9 and 10.8 of the UWW ADR, all the competitive results of the Athlete from 21 September 2019 until 21 November 2019 are disqualified with all the resulting consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

The Athlete may appeal against this decision within twenty-one days from the date of reception of the decision.

Revised Final Standings from 2019 World Championships

1. Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RUS)
2. Frank CHAMIZO (ITA)
3. Jordan BURROUGHS (USA)
3. Daniyar KAISANOV (KAZ)
5. Mao OKUI (JPN)
5. Kamil RYBICKI (POL)

Development

Wrestling completes tree-planting initiative in Casablanca

By United World Wrestling Press

CASABLANCA, Morocco (June 30) --- A tree-planting initiative was organized in Casablanca in partnership with local authorities. This initiative aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the environmental emergency and the role of sport in combating climate change.

“Planting a tree is sowing a promise. Today, we plant for tomorrow, just as we train today for tomorrow’s medals,” said Assad Ouassama a young Moroccan wrestler participating in the camp, with emotion.

An educational session on environmental protection in sport also took place on April 25, continuing eco-responsible momentum.

A Fraternal Atmosphere and a Family Spirit

Beyond the technical and educational aspects, this camp provided many athletes with the opportunity to build lasting bonds with their fellow African counterparts.

“I leave not only stronger, but with lifelong friends. Camps like this strengthen our continental identity and spirit of unity,” emphasized Rahman Sesay ABDUL, a Sierra Leonean coach attending the training camp.

The warm atmosphere and high-quality exchanges confirmed the value of this holistic approach to sports training.

Toward a New Model of Sports Organization in Africa

By combining sporting excellence with educational values and social engagement, United World Wrestling is promoting an innovative model for competitions across the African continent.

“Casablanca 2025 is not just a competition; it’s a turning point. By integrating these educational dimensions, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for wrestling in Africa,” concluded Fouad Meskout, President of UWW Africa.

A Lasting Legacy for Casablanca and Africa

As the African Championships opened in an atmosphere of commitment and unity, the training camp organized by UWW stood out as a model to follow. It demonstrated that athletic performance can -- and should -- be paired with social and environmental consciousness.