Development

Saudi Wrestling Federation growing wrestling through education

Monday, October 14, 2024 - 11:40 By United World Wrestling Press

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (12 October) – The Saudi Wrestling Federation has been organizing coaching and referee courses to grow and develop wrestling within their country over the past few years. Their hard work led to their first-ever silver medal at the U20 Asian Championships. Manthr Jndu achieved this at 63kg in Greco-Roman.

In late April, they organized two more courses (Level 1 Coaching Course and Introduction to Refereeing Course) for new coaches and referees. The Saudi Wrestling Federation held these courses in partnership with United World Wrestling.  

Mr. Hassan MADANY (EGY) and Mr. Juan Luis MAREN (CUB) conducted the Level 1 Coaching Course, and Mr. Sherif HALAWA (EGY) and Mr. Mohsen YAMANI (KSA—Chief of Saudi Referees) led the Introduction to Refereeing course. The courses were held from 28 April to 2 May and included 91 participants (22 women) from 8 nationalities, including participants from EGY, MAR, SYR, SUD, NGR, JOR, KGZ, and KSA residing in Saudi Arabia.

The coaching course had 71 participants, including 17 women coaches. The Level 1 Course is the Introduction to Coaching and Safety. During the course, the participants participated in theoretical and practical sessions. Some of the topics covered were discovery games, introducing a new technique, coaching skills, giving feedback, risk management, age, and developmental stage characteristics.  The coaches actively practiced and developed their skills during the course through practical evaluations. Overall, the coaches gained important knowledge and skills to help them improve in their role as coaches.  

The Introduction to Refereeing Course had 20 participants, including 5 women referees. The participants learned the foundations of what it takes to be a great referee.  The areas covered during the course included the safety of the athletes, evaluation of holds, referee mechanics, positioning, and controlling the bout.  The participants were active during the course and could practice their skills through practical evaluations. 

During the courses, there were sessions involving both referees and coaches, led by Mr. Halawa. This allowed both groups to work together and better learn wrestling rules.

Wrestling Community Celebrates Successful 'Women in Wrestling Global Forum'

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 - 19:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL (November 29) -- Fresh from completing a full week of leadership activities at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum, several key members of the wrestling community offered their feedback forum dedicated to the empowerment of women in the sport to balance gender and diversity for the future. 

There were 50 female participants from 40 nations in attendance at the four-day forum in Istanbul.

Following the close of the forum, United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives.

United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

"We know the importance of staying on top of Agenda 2020 and we are committed to propelling wrestling in the right direction. More diversity, more opportunities will contribute to the greater growth of our sport worldwide. This forum has been a key factor in our plans for the future of women in the sport," said Lalovic.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim CICIOGLU (TUR), Member of the Refereeing Commission, conveyed similar satisfaction with the program and its ability to provide real opportunities to women around the world. 

"It is the first time that I've worked with such a large group of women from the UWW family. The participants are very well aware of the challenges they encounter and the opportunities that are required to grow our sport in their countries. This program focuses on leadership and communication development skills and should be applied to all of our education programs -- especially in the refereeing."

Sally Roberts (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," spoke at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Sally ROBERTS (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," revealed, "This was one of the most impactful forums that I've ever been to. When I was watching the athletes, they were sure to stand in their space so much more boldly and proudly. And when I was sitting with the athletes during lunch and dinner, they said: ‘I've never felt so supportive by my federation, and I've never felt them want me to be so strong.’"

When asked about her experience at the second Women in Wrestling Global Forum, Anara KAPPASSOVA (KAZ) and administrator at her national federation highlighted the knowledge she acquired on site 

"I received great educational tools and exchanges with the participants coming from all over the world. These four days were an eye-opener for me, to be more confident while improving my leadership skills so I can improve the work within my national federation to increase women's involvement in all areas."
 
Lise LEGRAND (FRA), Vice President of FFLA and Olympian, joyfully added, "I am more confident and stronger after these four days. I met passionate women and men here in Istanbul that want to build tomorrow's wrestling, which integrates diversity, culture, respect, and mutual collaboration. 

Daniel Igali (NGR) left the forum satisfied with the experience (Photo/Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic champion and Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel IGALI (NGR) said he left the forum extremely satisfied. 

"I had an amazing four days of learning incredible life professional life skills, communication, and motivational stories. I am convinced participants are leaving here better prepared to be effective leaders."
 
UWW Development Department will announce the dates and location for the III Forum in December 2020. For more information on the development programs, please consult www.unitedworldwrestling.org/development