World Cup

USA, Azerbaijan Announced as Hosts for World Cups

Thursday, January 20, 2022 - 11:02 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 20) – In a historic step, United World Wrestling and USA Wrestling will host a combined Men's and Women's World Cups in Iowa, USA.

UWW announced the host of the three World Cups after a Bureau meeting held at its headquarters in Switzerland. The Bureau approved the combined World Cup for '22 and '23 in the USA, while the 2022 Greco-Roman World Cup was provisionally awarded to Baku, Azerbaijan pending a venue inspection visit.

UWW President Nenad LALOVIC said that the organization continues to progress with a dynamic host city process and the 2022 calendar is something the fans can look forward to.

“We are pleased to finalize the 2022 calendar and looking forward to high-level events with elite competition,” Lalovic said. "We continue to progress the sport with a dynamic host city process which works with organizers in a partnership approach.

"The 4 ranking Series events, Continental Championships, a World Championships in Belgrade, and an updated World Cup format will certainly be moments to look forward to in 2022.”

The '22 World Cup in Iowa is scheduled for December 10-11, while the '23 competition will take place December 9-10. The Greco-Roman World Cup in Baku is slated for November 5-6.

"USA Wrestling is excited to once again bring one of the most important wrestling competitions on the planet to the Coralville/Iowa City community, which is truly an international wrestling hotbed," Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director, said. "We are extremely pleased that we will be able to showcase the world's best men's and women's freestyle wrestlers in the same location. The atmosphere will be electric and fans will not want to miss this action."

The '22 World Cups, and moving forward, will be held in an updated format from earlier editions. The top five teams from the World Championships earn an invitation to the tournament. In addition, United World Wrestling will comprise the sixth team with the remaining wrestlers who participated in the World Championships.

USA Wrestling has hosted the men's freestyle World Cup 30 times in the past -- the most for any nation. Coralville, Iowa, will become the 10th USA city to host the tournament.

The other US cities which have hosted the World Cup include Toledo, Ohio (17 times); Los Angeles, California (three times); Chattanooga, Tenn. (twice); Spokane, Washington (twice); Stillwater, Oklahoma (twice); Baltimore, Maryland.; Fairfax, Va., Boise, Idaho and Iowa City, Iowa.

The Bureau provisionally approved Baku, Azerbaijan as the Greco-Roman World Cup host pending a venue inspection visit. The tournament will be held on November 5-6. 

If approved, the Greco-Roman World Cup will return to UWW's calendar after five years, when Abadan City, Iran, hosted the competition in 2017.

Furthermore, Baku will return to the UWW's event calendar after a long absence. Apart from the Golden Grand Prix final, Baku last hosted a UWW event back in 2012 – the Cadet World Championships.

For a full list of United World Wrestling's events, please visit uww.org's event page

#development

With Two Courses in 10 Days, India Dedicated to Developing Coaching Pool

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 09:46 By United World Wrestling Press

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NEW DELHI, India (April 7) -- The Wrestling Federation of India organized two courses in India last month. The first course was a Level 3 -- Introduction to Periodization and Coaching Philosophy and was held from March 21 to 25.

A second course was completed immediately after the first. This was a Level 2 -- Introduction to Practice Planning and was conducted from March 25 to 30. The courses were led by UWW Certified Educators Ahmed KHEDHRI (TUN).

“The participants engagement, along with the logistical and organizational support from the Indian Wrestling Federation, greatly contributed to the success of the courses," Khedhri said.

The Level 3 course was attended by 20 participants. During the five days, the participants covered a wide range of topics which included performance analysis, fundamentals of periodization, practice plan review and self-reflection.

The course also addressed coaching philosophy, self-awareness, leadership styles, and coach vision. These topics were covered through a variety of lectures, practical exercises, and interactive group discussion.

"The Level-3 coaching course was a great opportunity for learning and development. I appreciated the teaching style, depth of knowledge, and clear communication, all of which were motivating and inspiring," SB PRASAD, Greco-Roman coach, said.

The Level 2 course was attended by 41 participants. During the course, the coaches started with basic skill development and performance analysis basics and transitioned to the technicalities of designing and implementing practice plans.

The coaches learned the importance of designing sessions that are age and stage appropriate for their athletes. These interactive sessions included a mix of small group work and practical sessions.

“The Level-2 course was an incredible and enriching experience. I gained valuable knowledge that will greatly benefit my coaching career," Shilpi SHEORAN, Women's Wrestling Coach, said.  

IND
The 41 participants pose for a photo following the conclusion of the course. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Comments from the participants:

“I found the Level-3 course highly valuable, highlighting the practical approach, detailed explanations, and continuous support throughout the program. These aspects enhanced my understanding and confidence as a coach.” – Vinod KUMAR, Head Coach, Freestyle National Team.

“The Level-2 course as extremely enriching and well-structured, with clear and engaging instruction. Thank you to UWW and WFI for organizing and facilitating this valuable program,” – Abhishek CHANDEL, Coach.