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Eleven Nations Represented in Day Four Women's Wrestling Semifinals

Thursday, May 3, 2018 - 11:02 By Eric Olanowski

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KASPIISK, Russia (May 3) - Russian women reached the semifinals in four of the five weight categories during the fourth day of competition at the 2018 European Championships. Ten other nations will be represented in the semifinals with Belarus and Bulgaria each having a trio of wrestlers vying for a spot in tomorrow’s finalist. 

Two of the most intriguing semifinals match-ups will be at 53kg and 57kg. 

Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) and Stalvira ORSHUSH (RUS) will battle for the finals spot at 53kg. 

Poland’s Krawczyk, a two-time European medalist is on a quest to make her second trip to the finals. She finished with a silver medalist after dropping the 2015 European Games finals to Sweden's Sofia MATTSSON.

Orshush has been on a tear this year, only dropping a single match. She’s currently ranked no. 11 in the world after capturing the Klippan Lady Open gold medal and the silver medal at the Ivan Yarygin. 


At 57kg, Alyona KOLESNIK (AZE) and Irina OLOGONOVA (RUS) will wrestle for a spot in Friday night’s finals.

Ologonova, the three-time world finalist will be making her second finals appearance. In her first showing at the European Championships, the Russian walked away with the gold medal.

Kolesnik, last years European bronze medalist will be looking to make her first senior-level Euro finals.

Other wrestlers to pay attention to in tonight's semifinals are 2017 world champion, Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR), 2016 Rio bronze medalist, Jenny FRANSSON (SWE) and world no. 1 Petra OLLI (FIN). 

MATCH-UPS 
53kg
SEMIFINAL - Stalvira ORSHUSH (RUS) vs. Katarzyna KRAWCZYK (POL) 
SEMIFINAL - Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE) vs. Vanesa KALADZINSKAYA (BLR)

Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL). (Photo by Max Rose-Fyne) 

57kg
SEMIFINAL - Irina OLOGONOVA (RUS) vs. Alyona KOLESNIK (AZE) 
SEMIFINAL - Emese BARKA (HUN) vs. Bilyana DUDOVA (BUL)

62kg
SEMIFINAL -  Taybe Mustafa YUSEIN (BUL) vs. Veranika IVANOVA (BLR) 
SEMIFINAL - Inna TRAZHUKOVA (RUS) vs. Luzie MANZKE (GER)

65kg
SEMIFINAL - Viktoria BOBEVA (BUL) vs. Petra OLLI (FIN)
SEMIFINAL - Elis MANOLOVA (AZE) vs. Henna JOHANSSON (SWE)

Anastasiya ZIMIANKOVA (BLR). (Photo by Max Rose-Fyne) 

68kg
SEMIFINAL - Alena PEREPELKINA (RUS) vs. Anastasiya ZIMIANKOVA (BLR) 
SEMIFINAL - Jenny FRANSSON (SWE) vs. Beste ALTUG (TUR)

UWW Statement on 2026 World Championships

Friday, May 22, 2026 - 02:19 By United World Wrestling Press

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Joint Statement from United World Wrestling, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (May 22) -- United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This decision has been made after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pending conflict involving the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel. While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority.

As organizations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so the competition host can be identified and the event can be prepared in a professional and orderly manner.

Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family -- athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world -- for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works with the national members in close cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its community worldwide.

Further updates regarding future dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.