STRATEGY 2022-2026

UPDATE FOR NATIONAL

FEDERATIONS

MAY 9, 2025

QUARTERLY UPDATE Q3-2025

1. ELEVATE & INSPIRE

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

LEARN, WRESTLE, USE - INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CAMP

OREČ, Croatia (19 April 2025) — The Croatian Wrestling Federation, in cooperation with United World Wrestling and the Croatian School Sports Federation, successfully organized an international youth wrestling camp titled “Learn, Wrestle, Use”, held from April 14–19, 2025, in the renowned wrestling hub of sunny Poreč.

The camp brought together 300 young athletes from four European countries — Croatia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany — in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups. In addition to intensive wrestling training, the camp included targeted educational sessions of learning English, proper nutrition, and digital safety, particularly regarding responsible behaviour on social media.

This innovative project stands out for its integrated approach, combining athletic preparation with personal development. Through a balance of physical training and structured education, “Learn, Wrestle, Use” supports the holistic — both physical and psychological — development of young athletes. It encourages not only sporting excellence, but also intercultural exchange, communication skills, and lifelong healthy habits.

The camp was led by a team of distinguished Croatian coaches: Hrvoje Šavuk (U13 Boys Group), Eugen Jakovljević, head coach of the Croatian U15 boys national team (U15 & U17 Boys Groups), and women’s wrestling national team coaches Dinko Kremić and Nenad Grezina (Girls Group). A total of 30 experienced coaches participated in the delivery of the training and educational components.

This international initiative is a strong example of how youth sport can go beyond competition — creating space for learning, connection, and empowerment across borders.

2. ENHANCE / EMPOWER

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

WOMEN'S COURSE FOR REFEREES AND COACHES - COLOMBIA

Organized by United World Wrestling (UWW) with support from Olympic Solidarity, the event took place at the Recinto Quirama, gathering 33 participants from 15 Latin American countries.

The educational sessions were led by Rafael GALVA LEBRON, an Olympic referee and member of the UWW Referee Commission, known for his passionate and dynamic teaching style and Raul TRUJILLO DIAZ, one of the most respected Greco-Roman wrestling coaches globally, recognized for guiding the legendary Olympic champion Mijain LOPEZ (CUB).

Throughout three days filled with camaraderie, learning, and solidarity, the participants engaged in integrated theoretical and practical sessions conducted in a shared venue.

This approach facilitated dynamic exchanges, ongoing dialogue between coaches and referees, and created a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The course activities included live simulations, technical analyses, motivational talks, and workshops on leadership and personal development.

Notably, the event featured motivational speeches by Jackeline RENTERIA, Colombia's two-time Olympic medallist and a leading figure in Women's Wrestling on the continent, and Jessica ECHEVERRY, President of the Risaraldense Wrestling League.

Both speakers emphasized shared experiences and the importance of women supporting each other beyond individual differences.

The programme will be renewed for other continents and regions to pursue the development to increase the number of coaches and ITO for LA 2028 Olympic Games.

3. SUPPORT AND CONNECT

ASSOCIATED STYLE 

PAVING THE WAY FOR UNITING WRESTLING

UWW Associated Styles entered 2025 with focused momentum. Following the Congress decision in Tirana, the Committee for Grappling, Pankration, and Amateur MMA was officially formed under the leadership of UWW Bureau Member Mr. Namig Aliyev. Dedicated workgroups were launched for each discipline working toward a unified vision for each wrestling-rooted discipline.

Until today, 12 technical meetings were held to refine the sport formats and build consensus for master rulebooks, which are set to be published in Q2 2025. During the first quarter of 2025, 26 countries from 4 continents have joined the development effort, signaling strong global engagement in shaping the future of Grappling, Pankration, and Amateur MMA under UWW.

Meanwhile, UWW also announced the formation of the Traditional Wrestling Committee, chaired by Bureau Member Mrs. Cholpon Sultanbekova. This new body unites the representatives of each recognized traditional wrestling style under a common mission: to preserve and promote wrestling roots and its cultural heritage within a sustainable global framework.

Stay Engaged – Shape the Future of Wrestling

✅ Follow progress on uww.org

📩 Questions or contributions? Contact: aso@uww.org

📅 Next release: Q2 2025 – Finalized rules and event updates!

4. REVAMP & REINFORCE

IMAGE OF WRESTLING

During the European Championships, UWW reached a significant milestone of 2 million followers and is rapidly approaching 1 million subscribers on YouTube. This steady growth reflects consistent and positive trends in both viewership figures and subscriptions on UWW+, underscoring the sport’s rising digital presence and global appeal.