Good Governance

Wrestling Cited for Good Governance in Recent ASOIF Report

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (June 22) -- A recent report issued by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) cited United World Wrestling as having above average standards for Good Governance.

ASOIF, a non-profit association affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, hired the independent sports governance consultancy I Trust Sport to review the responses and moderate the scores for all participating member federations.

The report specifically recognized United World Wrestling's commitment as best practices for publishing the details of elected officials biographies, including CV's and a conflicts of interest statement (Example). The UWW website also notes the election dates and terms for each bureau member. (Example)

'We are pleased with our progress in regards to Good Governance," said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalvoic. "We have made significant progress since 2013 and for an independent consultancy to verify our dedication to transparency is a meaningful moment for wrestling and we remain dedicated to continuing this progress linked to good governance."

Overall, wrestling was placed into the A2 category of the Good Governance review.

Obit

Habibi, Iran's first Olympic champion, dies aged 94

By United World Wrestling Press

TEHRAN, Iran (August 24) -- Emamali HABIBI (IRI), Iran's first-ever Olympic gold medalist and United World Wrestling Hall of Fame member, passed away Sunday aged 94.

Habibi was born Babol in 1931 and won the first Olympic gold medal for Iran in 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Facing Alimbeg BESTAEV in the final round to decide the gold medalist, Habibi secured a fall in the 67kg final and etched his name in history, became first Olympic champion for Iran.

It was a rare feat in those times as he had never wrestled at an international event before the Olympics. He would make his World Championships debut in 1959, winning gold medal at 73kg. He defended his title in 1961 and added a third gold medal in 1962 at 78kg.

Emamali HABIBI (IRI)Emamali HABIBI (IRI) with his World Championships gold medal.

He participated in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome at 73kg and finished fourth. Habibi also has a gold medal at the 1958 Asian Games, held in Tokyo, Japan.

Habibi's legacy also includes his diverse wrestling techniques and speed on the mat which allowed him to win bouts with domination. He is widely considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of his times. He was included in the UWW Hall of Fame in 2007 for his contribution to wrestling.

UWW offers its condolences to Iran Wrestling Federation and the Habibi family.