#CARDA

Azimi Tabbed to Head Guatemala's CARDA

By United World Wrestling Press

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (March 9) --- The "High Performance and Development Center for the Americas" recently reopened in the Guatemalan capital after the facility was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon the center's highly-anticipated reopening, United World Wrestling named 44-year-old Reza AZIMI as the CARDA's (Spanish acronym) new head coach.

Azimi, who originally hails from Iran, brings loads of high-level experience as a coach and a competitor into Guatemala. He had an outstanding career as an athlete from 1993-'97, winning medals at the U17, U20, and U23 World Championships.

Azimi's success followed into his coach career. He successfully performed his duties in Iran, Nicaragua and India.
•    Coached Iran's National Team from 2013-'15.
•    Coached Nicaragua's National Team in 2017.
•    Coached India's National Team and Punjab's Team in 2020-'21.

Mr. Francisco Lee, President of UWW Americas, welcomed Azimi to Guatemala with open arms. Upon Azimi's arrival. Mr. Lee highlighted the sports cooperation between the National Federations of Iran and Guatemala and wished the new coach success.

#Grappling, #Pankration

Grappling, AMMA 2026 European C'ships in Yerevan, Asians in Vietnam

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 27) -- United World Wrestling has announced the dates and host cities for its 2026 Grappling, Pankration and Amateur MMA continental championships.

The 2026 Grappling, Pankration & AMMA Asian Championships will take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from May 13 to 19, 2026. The event will feature competitions in the U15, U17, U20 and Senior age categories, bringing together top athletes from across the Asian continent.

Shortly after, the 2026 Grappling, Pankration & AMMA European Championships will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, from May 23 to June 1, 2026. The European Championships will include all age categories.

Both these competition will lay foundation for the World Championships of Grappling, Pankration and Amateur MMA in 2026.

Further information regarding event regulations, entry deadlines, and logistical details will be communicated in due course by UWW. National Federations are encouraged to mark the dates and contact UWW for any queries.