#development

Saudi Arabia Organises Level 1 Coaching Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia (June 28) -- A United World Wrestling Level 1 Regional Coaches Course was successfully conducted at Al-Ettifaq Club in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from May 16 to 20, 2026.

Organized by the Saudi Wrestling Federation, the five-day program brought together 36 participants, including 33 men and 3 women, representing Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The course was delivered in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, with participants developing their coaching knowledge. Both theoretical and practical sessions were held using two wrestling mats, ensuring a balanced learning experience that combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice.

Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY)Former U20 world champion Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), centre, at the course in Dammam. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A notable participant was former U20 world champion in Greco-Roman Mustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), whose participation added significant value to the course by sharing elite-level experience and inspiring fellow coaches. Several participants demonstrated exceptional potential and were identified as promising future coaches for Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region.

The topics covered were self-reflection, risk management and safety with focus on coaching skills, teaching techniques, practice planning, anti-doping awareness, and the basic rules of wrestling. These subjects were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to support athlete development and promote safe, effective coaching practices.

Wrestling Playlist: Rio 2016 Olympics Freestyle Rewind

By United World Wrestling Press

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (January 26) -- A decade since the Rio 2016 Olympics, UWW brings you the epic throwback to the finals of Freestyle. Six gold medals were won in the Brazilian city 10 years ago.

At 57kg, Vladimir KHINCHEGASHVILI (GEO) defeated Rei HIGUCHI (JPN) in a close final while Soslan RAMANOV (RUS) dominated his final against Togrul ASGAROV (AZE) at 65kg.

Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) won the epic final at 74kg against Aniuar GEDUEV (RUS) by one point. Abdulrashid SADULAEV (UWW) won his first Olympic gold in 2016 by beating Selim YASAR (TUR) at 86kg.

Kyle SNYDER (USA) became the youngest American wrestler then to win an Olympic gold as he defeated Khetag GOZIUMOV (AZE) in the 97kg final. At 125kg, Taha AKGUL (TUR) held on for a win against Khomel GHASEMI (IRI).

WATCH THE FULL FINAL MATCHES OF 2016 RIO OLYMPICS HERE