#development

2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational (REDT): A New Era of Regional Collaboration in Wrestling

By United World Wrestling Press

CHIANGMAI, Thailand (9 October, 2024) - The 2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational was a Regional Educational Development tournament (REDT), held from September 25-29 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, marked a historic moment for the sport of wrestling in the region. This event was the first in over nine years to include Oceania teams, a significant milestone that highlighted the potential for collaboration and growth between Southeast Asia and Oceania.

A total of 13 countries participated, with Southeast Asia represented by Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Oceania by American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga. Over the five days, 284 athletes competed across three wrestling styles—Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women’s Wrestling—within the U15, U17, and senior age groups.

The feedback from participating teams was overwhelmingly positive. For both Southeast Asia and Oceania, the championship provided a valuable opportunity for athletes to gain crucial international exposure while competing against teams of a similar skill level. This event acted as a development springboard, allowing the athletes to refine their skills and measure their progress in a competitive yet supportive environment.

The enthusiasm from Oceania teams was particularly notable, with several expressing their strong desire to be invited back in future editions. Many teams have already committed to increasing their participation in the next event, and there is significant interest from additional Oceania nations should this tournament become a regular fixture on the calendar.

SEAWrestlers jocky for position at the 2024 Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational was a Regional Educational Development tournament (REDT). (Photo: United World Wrestling)

As we look to the future, the success of the Southeast Asian Championship & Oceania Invitational underscores the importance of fostering regional cooperation. The event has laid the foundation for further development in both regions and holds immense potential to become a cornerstone for wrestling in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The 2024 edition was not just a competition but a powerful demonstration of unity, skill, and the collective ambition to elevate wrestling in these developing regions. The positive outcomes have set the stage for ongoing collaboration, and the prospect of even greater participation in future years is a testament to the event's success.

We look forward to welcoming even more nations and athletes as we continue to grow the sport of wrestling in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

#development

UWW launches coaches’ mentorship program

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 29) — United World Wrestling has signed an agreement with the Hungarian Wrestling Federation for a mentorship program for coaches in collaboration with the University of Hungary.

This is the first-ever coaches’ mentorship program and will be held at the KIMBA training centre from November 2 to 15 in collaboration with Hungarian federation.

The coaches who will attend the Olympic Solidarity Coaches Scholarship Programme will be eligible for the mentorship program. Upon completion of the course, selected coaches will also participate in a 14-day mentorship programme, organised in collaboration with the Hungarian federation and the KIMBA Training Centre.

The application for the Olympic Solidarity Coaches Scholarship Programme must be submitted through their respective National Olympic Committee and send a copy to: development@uww.org.

Application deadline: August 3, 2025
Course dates: October 1 – November 1, 2025
Mentorship programme: November 2 to 15, 2025

For more details, coaches and NFs are requested to contact: development@uww.org.