MOU, ISF, Lalovic, Signing, School Sport Federation

United World Wrestling Signs MOU with International School Sport Federation

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (September 11) -- United World Wrestling president Nenad LALOVIC and International School Sports Federation president Laurent PETRYNKA of France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU to ensure the growth and control of wrestling through the ISF’s international reach. The signing took place at the 2017 Senior Wrestling World Championships hosted in Paris by the French Wrestling Federation.

“Wrestling is fortunate to have the ISF on board,” said Lalovic. “Their commitment to grow and develop youth sports worldwide will mean that our sport will reach more youths and be taught at the highest level with professional coaches and teachers”

The agreement will see United World Wrestling provide professional assistance in referee education, coaching courses and event management. The ISF will work with their members to increase the availability and quality of wrestling in schools around the world.

The partnership will also aim to create programming that will meet the ISF’s mission to educate through sport, and create meaningful partnerships with a variety of international sport federations.

#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.

Silver medalist in Freestyle 74kg Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) was also participating in the tournament and won gold medal.