TIRANA, Albania (November 6) — A groundbreaking achievement in the realm of women’s wrestling leadership unfolded during the UWW 2024 Congress held in the historic city of Tirana, Albania, on October 27th.
In a remarkable first, seven talented female candidates emerged in the race for the UWW Bureau, the governing apex body of wrestling, marking the highest representation of female candidates ever recorded in its history.
The distinguished candidates who vied for leadership positions included Kuniko Tanioka, Ph.D. from Japan, Annette Kure from Norway, Lise Legrand from France, Cholpon Sultanbekova from Kyrgyzstan, Buyana Peljee from Mongolia, Nadine Pietschmann from Switzerland, and UWW Vice-President Natalia Yariguina from Russia. The election saw Women Lead Sports alumni successfully ascending to national federation president roles alongside these newly registered female candidates for the Bureau. In addition, Rodica Yaksi from Turkey received a promotion to Vice-President, and Ye Zhang from China secured her position for an additional two years.
A comprehensive report detailing advancements made for women coaches and referees at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games was shared with the national federations in attendance, highlighting various initiatives and programs spearheaded by the UWW Technical Assistance and Development Commission.
“From our achievements in Tokyo to our aspirations for Paris, we have made significant strides in promoting gender equality within our wrestling community. It is our collective responsibility to create pathways for future generations to enjoy equal opportunities, irrespective of gender, religion, or ethnicity,” stated UWW President Nenad Lalovic. “We honor and recognize those individuals who champion wrestling at all levels. Our experience demonstrates that by fostering the right programs and opportunities, we not only fortify our sport but also unite our global community.”
**Interview with UWW President Nenad Lalovic on Women’s Leadership in Wrestling**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Nenad. The recent UWW Congress in Tirana marked a significant milestone with seven female candidates running for the UWW Bureau. What does this achievement mean for the future of women’s representation in wrestling?
**Nenad Lalovic:** This achievement is monumental. It reflects our commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring that women have a strong voice in decision-making processes within wrestling. Having seven qualified female candidates running for the Bureau is a demonstration of the talent and determination present in our community. It sets a precedent for the future, inspiring young female wrestlers and leaders to aspire to similar roles.
**Interviewer:** The initiatives introduced, particularly regarding women’s coaches and referees for the Paris Olympic Games, point toward progressive change. Can you elaborate on what specific programs have been put in place?
**Nenad Lalovic:** Absolutely. Our Technical Assistance and Development Commission has rolled out various initiatives designed to encourage and support women in coaching and officiating roles. This includes mentorship programs, workshops, and targeted support to ensure that women have equal access to these pathways. We believe that empowering women at every level will enrich the sport immensely.
**Interviewer:** You emphasized collective responsibility in fostering equal opportunities. How do you foresee wrestling organizations globally implementing these initiatives to create lasting change?
**Nenad Lalovic:** It starts with a commitment from every wrestling federation to prioritize gender inclusion. Training forums, mentorship opportunities, and a focus on developing women leaders at all levels are essential. Each country’s federation needs to collaborate and share best practices, creating a network of support. It’s about cultivating a culture that actively promotes respect and equality for all participants.
**Interviewer:** To wrap up, how do you respond to those who might argue that a focus on gender equality could overshadow the pursuit of excellence in wrestling itself?
**Nenad Lalovic:** I believe excellence and equality are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand in hand. A diverse leadership brings varying perspectives that enhance decision-making and innovation within the sport. By prioritizing gender equality, we are not only ensuring fairness but also fostering a richer, more competitive environment that benefits everyone involved. The real question is: Are we ready to embrace this evolution in our sport, or will we continue to let outdated norms dictate our future?
**Interviewer:** That’s an intriguing point, and it raises an important debate. To our readers, what are your thoughts? Do you believe that prioritizing gender equality in sports leadership will enhance or hinder the pursuit of excellence in wrestling? Let’s hear your opinions!
