The entire wrestling ecosystem gathered last month in Zagreb for the first ever United World Wrestling World Conference (UWW): leaders of national federations, members of the UWW, the International Olympic Committee, the International Anti-Doping Agency, partner companies, coaches, athletes, referees, etc. Three days of exchange for " improve our sport » explained UWW President Nenad Lalovic.
Topics on the table included digital transformation, injury prevention, weight management, the development of women's wrestling or the transition for wrestlers at the end of their careers. Disciplines associated with traditional wrestling were also discussed. We want prepare athletes who will one day join professional MMA leagues and competitions, assures Nenad Lalovic. That's why we created a new division almost a year ago. We call it amateur MMA with protection. » A way to support the popularity of this discipline and to recall the central place of the UWW.
Pedro Silva, president of the Portuguese Wrestling Federation and member of the UWW board, highlighted the growth of beach wrestling. We have revised the rules to make them easier to understand, not only for wrestling fans, but also and especially for new fans, those who know nothing about wrestling, he emphasizes. Dakar 2026 is the first Olympic Games in Africa, and beach wrestling will be on the program. Senegal's national sport is traditional wrestling, which is very similar to beach wrestling. We anticipate significant fan engagement, as well as on television and social media, due to the particular popularity of this sport in the host country. »
One thing is already certain: the UWW will organize a second edition of its world conference. We will decide whether the event will be biannual or quadrennial in the future. Maybe even annual if you have so much to say. " joked Nenad Lalovic.
