Lalovic re-elected United World Wrestling President

Mr. Nenad Lalovich

Visionary President of United World Wrestling, Esteemed IOC Executive Board Member, and Global Architect of Olympic Sport Governance

Mr. Nenad Lalović is one of the most respected and influential figures in global sports governance. As the President of United World Wrestling (UWW) since 2013, he has transformed the sport through modernization, transparency, and global outreach. Under his leadership, wrestling was successfully reinstated into the Olympic program after facing removal in 2013—a historic achievement that showcased his diplomatic skill and unwavering commitment to the sport’s legacy.
Beyond wrestling, Mr. Lalović serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and sits on the IOC Executive Board, where he contributes to shaping the future of international sport. He is also a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee, advocating for clean competition and ethical standards across disciplines. His work bridges continents and cultures, promoting wrestling not just as a sport, but as a tool for education, peace, and youth empowerment.
Mr. Lalović is known for his strategic vision, calm leadership, and ability to unify diverse stakeholders. He has championed gender equality, expanded wrestling’s reach into developing nations, and strengthened ties between federations, athletes, and global institutions. His legacy is one of resilience, reform, and respect—making him not only a steward of wrestling, but a statesman of sport.



Miss. Ye Zhang (China)
UWW Bureau Member, Member of the UWW Asian Council

A Global Force in Wrestling and Equality
Miss. Ye Zhang stands as one of the most influential figures in international wrestling today. As a United World Wrestling (UWW) Bureau MemberAsian Council Member, and Technical Commission Member, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport—not just in China, but across the globe.
Her leadership is defined by integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to fairness. Miss. Ye Zhang is a trailblazer for gender equality in sports, advocating for equal opportunities, representation, and recognition for women in wrestling. She has helped expand access to training, competition, and leadership roles for female athletes, coaches, and officials throughout Asia and beyond.
With decades of experience in sports governance, Miss. Ye Zhang brings unmatched expertise in athlete development, technical standards, and international collaboration. She is known for building bridges between nations, promoting transparency, and ensuring that wrestling remains a sport rooted in respect, discipline, and inclusion.
Miss. Ye Zhang’s impact reaches far beyond the mat. She is a role model for young women in sport, a voice for fairness in global decision-making, and a symbol of progress in athletic leadership. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and administrators to lead with courage, compassion, and excellence.

Mr. Mohammad Al-Awamleh (JOR)

UWW-Asia President

Mr. Mohammad Al-Awamleh, the newly elected President of United World Wrestling Asia, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the sport across the continent. His leadership marks a turning point for wrestling in Asia, bringing with it a renewed focus on transparency, unity, and athlete development. As the head of the Jordan Wrestling Federation, Mr. Al-Awamleh has long been a driving force behind regional cooperation and the elevation of wrestling standards. His election by 38 national federations reflects deep trust in his vision and commitment to fairness. He is known for championing youth programs, expanding access to training in underserved regions, and advocating for gender equality in sport. Under his guidance, UWW Asia is expected to grow not only in competitive excellence but also in its role as a platform for cultural exchange and social progress. Mr. Al-Awamleh’s influence extends far beyond administrative duties—he is a symbol of integrity, inclusion, and the transformative power of sport.

Baumgartner: 'Wrong' to punish wrestlers
Mr. Bruce Baumgartner is a 2x Olympic gold medalist, 4x Olympic medalist in freestyle wrestling, and one of the most decorated American wrestlers in history. He served as President of USA Wrestling, represented athletes on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and currently holds a seat on the United World Wrestling Bureau. A lifelong advocate for athlete development, sports governance, and international cooperation, Baumgartner is a towering figure in wrestling leadership, education, and public service.
Mr. Mikhail Mamiashvili (Rus) Olympic gold medalist (1988), 3x World champion, European champion, former USSR national champion, inducted into the FILA Hall of Fame, and currently serves as President of the Russian Wrestling Federation and a senior figure in international wrestling governance
Dr. Rasoul Khadem (IRI)
Olympic gold medalist (1996) and bronze medalist (1992), 2x world champion, 6x Asian champion, former head coach of Iran’s national freestyle team, President of Iran Wrestling Federation (2014–2018), and member of Iran’s National Olympic Committee and Tehran City Council.
Dr. Alexander Karelin (RUS) 3x Olympic gold medalist, 9x World champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, Ph.D. holder in physical education, former member of the Russian State Duma, and a global icon in sports leadership, education, and public service.
Amirreza Khadem (@amirreza.khadem) • Instagram photos and videos
Mr. Amirreza Khadem (IRI) Olympic bronze medalist (1992 and 1996), former Head of Iran Wrestling Federation, member of Iran’s parliament, and active in public service and sports leadership, known for advocating athlete rights and social issues.