Nenad Lalovic re-elected as President of United World Wrestling

October 23, 2026

The next UWW Congress, combining the organization’s reporting and electoral sessions, was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Representatives of the international wrestling community attended the Congress, with Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation (AWF) Vice President Farid Mansurov and Secretary General Parvin Piriyev representing Azerbaijan.

During the Congress, UWW’s activities during the reporting period, initiatives aimed at the development of international wrestling, and strategic priorities for the upcoming period were reviewed.

The meeting addressed the global development of wrestling, expanding cooperation among national federations, strengthening the international standing of the sport, and further consolidating its position within the Olympic Movement.

Preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games, the organization of wrestling competitions, athlete participation and qualification criteria, as well as key areas of activity for the Olympic cycle were also among the issues discussed.

One of the main items on the Congress agenda was the election of UWW’s leadership and governing bodies.

Following the vote, Nenad Lalovic was re-elected as President of United World Wrestling.

Meanwhile, following the election to the UWW Bureau, the following six candidates were elected as Bureau members:

1. Ye Zhang – China
2. Yerkin Okasov – Kazakhstan
3. Vladimir Bregovic – Croatia
4. Francisco Lee Lopez – Guatemala
5. Fouad Meskout – Morocco
6. Don Ryan – Canada

The Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation congratulates UWW President Nenad Lalovic on his re-election, as well as the newly elected Bureau members, and wishes them success in their efforts to further develop international wrestling, promote Olympic values and strengthen cooperation among national federations.