Obituary

Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, First Kazakh to Win Olympic Gold, Dies at 69

Monday, August 3, 2020 - 12:49 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 3) -- Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov, who won Olympic gold for the U.S.S.R  in Greco-Roman wrestling at the Moscow Games in 1980, has died. He was 69.

Ushkempirov was the first ethnic Kazakh to win an Olympic gold in wrestling and became a national star following his performance. To honor his achievements, there is an international Junior Greco-Roman wrestling tournament named "Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov" held annually in the nation of Kazakhstan. He was also inducted into the UWW Hall of Fame in 2014.

In addition to his Olympic gold, Ushkempirov was a 1981 World champion, 1980 European silver medallist, USSR Champion (1975,1980), and Honored Master of Sports of USSR (1980). 

Ushkempirov also received the Labor of Kazakhstan award as well as the honors of "Barys", "Badge of Honor", "Parasat".

Ushkempirov

marketing

RUDIS launches UWW x RUDIS apparel collection

Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 10:58 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 1) -- United World Wrestling and RUDIS have announced the launch of official UWW x RUDIS apparel.

Taking a major step in their partnership, UWW and RUDIS have launched a UWW themed store on the RUDIS website. The UWW x RUDIS collection is officially launched Thursday and available to shop here -- UWW x RUDIS.

The store fulfills the apparel needs of wrestlers and fans alike. The orders can be shipped internationally after an easy checkout process.

In January, UWW and RUDIS announced an eight-year partnership beginning 2025. The collaboration marked a pivotal moment for the global wrestling community, uniting two forces with a shared vision of celebrating the sport’s rich legacy while shaping its future.

RUDIS, founded in Ohio in 2013, RUDIS has rapidly grown into the leading brand in wrestling apparel, renowned for its innovation, athlete-focused designs, and dedication to the wrestling community.

Central to their collaboration is the concept of “Unified Strength,” symbolizing their united effort to elevate wrestling to new heights on a global scale.

The partnership exemplifies the mutual commitment of UWW, the global governing body of wrestling, and RUDIS to honor the sport and serve its athletes, fans, and communities worldwide.