#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.

#UnitedWorldWrestling

Julfalakyan re-elected as UWW Athletes' Commission President

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (October 1) -- Arsen JULFALAKYAN has been re-elected President of the United World Wrestling Athletes’ Commission, securing a second term from 2025 to 2029.

The London Olympic silver medalist, who first took office in 2021, was the sole candidate for the position following the Athletes’ Commission elections held during the World Championships in Zagreb.

As President of the Commission, Julfalakyan will serve as the voice of wrestlers and represent their interests at the UWW Bureau and Congress. He will also represent athletes at the IOC Athletes’ Forum, WADA, and other international organizations.

"I am grateful to the entire wrestling community for trusting me with the privilege of representing them in the UWW Bureau and on the world stage," Julfalakyan said. "I’ll do my best to carry out this mission with dignity and ensure your voice is heard worldwide.

“Special thanks to UWW President Nenad Lalovic, Bureau members, and all national federations for their support. I would also like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage wrestlers to stay actively engaged with the UWW Athletes’ Commission.”

The elections for the Athletes' Commission were held during the World Championships in Zagreb from September 12 to 20 in which nine members, including four women, were elected. These nine members are:

Arsen JULFALAKYAN (ARG)
Yui SUSAKI (JPN)
Tamas LORINCZ (HUN)
Aisuluu TYNYBEKOVA (KGZ)
Hassan YAZDANI (IRI)
Maria PREVOLARAKI (GRE)
Abdellatif MOHAMED (EGY)
Jessica LAVERS-McBAIN (AUS)
Nicolaas DE LANGE (RSA)

Following the election, UWW called for candidates for the presidency. As the sole applicant, Julfalakyan was elected unopposed and will continue as President of the Athletes’ Commission. UWW congratulates Julfalakyan on his re-election.

For any queries regarding the election or the functioning of the Athletes Commission, please contact UWW Secretariat.