The United World Wrestling convened its Congress in Tirana, Albania, on October 27, 2023, discussing vital topics regarding the upcoming Olympics, budget, and potential new league initiatives. The elections resulted in enhanced female representation within the Bureau, with several officials re-elected and new members appointed.

On October 27, 2023, the United World Wrestling (UWW) convened its Congress in Tirana, Albania, coinciding with the World Championships in Non-Olympic Weight Classes. The meeting addressed significant issues concerning the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and various administrative matters, including the budget and the competition calendar for 2025. Additionally, the prospect of establishing a UWW Pro League was a topic of discussion. Multiple UWW commissions presented their reports for 2024, including updates on Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Pankration. Elections for the Bureau and Vice Presidents took place, resulting in the appointment of three women to the Bureau, marking a significant advancement in gender representation within the organization. A total of five Bureau members were eligible for re-election, with four individuals successfully retaining their positions. The re-elected Bureau members are Pedro SILVA, Peter BASCA, Zamel AL SHAHRANI, and Natalia YARAGUINA. Bruce BAUMGARTNER emerged as a newly elected Bureau member. Due to a tie in the initial round of voting for two additional Bureau spots, a second election was conducted where Buyandelger PELJEE and Cholpon SULTANBEKOVA garnered the highest votes, securing their positions. Rodica YAKSI, a UWW Bureau member and President of UWW Associated Styles, alongside Fouad MESKOUT, President of the African Council, were elected Vice Presidents during the Bureau’s inaugural meeting. Mikhail MAMIASHVILI, Natalia YARAGUINA, Theodoros HAMAKOS, and Akhroldjan RUZIEV were also re-elected as Vice Presidents. Noteworthy is the departure of UWW Vice President Stan DZIEDZIC, who is ineligible for re-election due to reaching his term limit; however, he was honored with the title of Honorary Vice President of UWW following the elections.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) Congress serves as a crucial platform for discussing strategies and administrative issues pertaining to wrestling’s governance on an international scale. This particular Congress was significant as it occurred alongside the World Championships for Non-Olympic Weight Classes, underscoring UWW’s commitment to promoting various wrestling disciplines. The introduction of women into high-ranking positions within the Bureau reflects a progressive shift towards inclusivity and representation in sports governance, particularly within wrestling, which has been historically male-dominated. The focus on upcoming Olympic Games and the potential launch of a UWW Pro League indicates a forward-looking approach aimed at enhancing the sport’s global appeal and operational frameworks.

In conclusion, the UWW Congress in Tirana was a landmark event that not only set the stage for wrestling’s future leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games but also demonstrated a progressive shift towards gender equality within its leadership. With several key elections resulting in increased female representation and ongoing discussions on administrative and competitive frameworks, UWW is poised to make significant strides in promoting the sport globally. The collaborative efforts among different commissions to address vital issues such as budgeting and the establishment of new leagues further highlight UWW’s proactive initiatives in wrestling administration.

Original Source: uww.org

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