HIGHLIGHTS
United World Wrestling (formerly known as FILA, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles) is the international governing body for the sport of wrestling, overseeing various styles of wrestling including freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and women’s wrestling. UWW is responsible for organizing and regulating international wrestling competitions, setting rules and weight classes, and promoting the sport worldwide.

Establishment of the United World Wrestling
United World Wrestling (UWW) was established on September 19, 1912, in Antwerp, Belgium, under the name “Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées” (FILA), which translates to “International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles.” The organization was founded with the goal of promoting and governing international wrestling competitions and standardizing the rules and regulations of the sport.
Over the years, UWW has evolved and undergone various changes, including a rebranding in 2014 when it changed its name from FILA to United World Wrestling. This change aimed to modernize the organization and align it more closely with the Olympic Movement.
Since its establishment, UWW has played a vital role in developing and popularizing wrestling around the world. It has organized numerous international competitions, including the World Wrestling Championships, continental championships, and wrestling events at the Olympic Games. The federation works to foster the growth of the sport, support national wrestling federations, and ensure fair competition through its governance and rule-making processes.
founders of the United World Wrestling
United World Wrestling (UWW) was founded by the following individuals:

Victor Boin (Belgium): Victor Boin was a Belgian sports official and administrator who played a key role in the establishment of UWW. He was an advocate for the sport of wrestling and actively worked toward the internationalization and standardization of wrestling rules.
Raymond Petit (France): Raymond Petit, a French wrestler and sports official, was another important figure in the formation of UWW. He was instrumental in promoting and organizing wrestling competitions, and he played a significant role in the early development of the federation.
These individuals, along with other influential figures in the wrestling community at the time, collaborated to create the Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA), which later became UWW . Their efforts were aimed at establishing an international governing body for wrestling and advancing the sport on a global scale.
Responsibilities of UWW
UWW has several responsibilities as the international governing body for the sport of wrestling. Some of its key responsibilities include:
Competition Organization: UWW is responsible for organizing and overseeing various international wrestling competitions, including the World Wrestling Championships, continental championships, and other major tournaments. It establishes the competition schedule, venue selection, and technical requirements for these events.
Rule-Making and Regulations: United World Wrestling (UWW) sets and updates the rules and regulations for different styles of wrestling, including freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and women’s wrestling. It ensures consistency in the interpretation and application of these rules across different competitions.
Weight Classes: United World Wrestling (UWW) establishes and maintains the weight classes for each wrestling style. This ensures fair competition by grouping athletes of similar body weights together for matches.
Athlete Eligibility: United World Wrestling (UWW) establishes and enforces eligibility criteria for wrestlers to participate in international competitions. It sets guidelines for age requirements, nationality, and other qualifications to ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the sport.
Anti-Doping Measures: United World Wrestling (UWW) plays a crucial role in combating doping in wrestling. It collaborates with relevant anti-doping organizations and implements anti-doping measures to ensure a clean and fair environment for athletes.
Development and Promotion: United World Wrestling ( UWW) works to promote the sport of wrestling worldwide and supports the development of national wrestling federations. It provides technical assistance, coaching education, and resources to enhance the growth and popularity of wrestling globally.
Olympic Coordination: United World Wrestling (UWW) coordinates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the inclusion and organization of wrestling in the Olympic Games. It represents the interests of the wrestling community and ensures the sport’s presence and development in the Olympic program.
Overall, UWW acts as the central authority for wrestling, responsible for organizing competitions, setting rules, supporting development, and upholding the values and integrity of the sport.
A big organization
United World Wrestling (UWW) is a significant international organization in the world of wrestling. It is recognized as the governing body for the sport of wrestling by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). UWW has a large global membership, consisting of national wrestling federations from over 180 countries.
As a global organization, UWW has a wide range of responsibilities and initiatives. It organizes and oversees major wrestling competitions at the international level, including the World Wrestling Championships, which attract top wrestlers from around the world. UWW also coordinates continental championships and various age-group tournaments.
In addition to its competition organization role, UWW is involved in the development and promotion of wrestling globally. It supports the growth of national wrestling federations, provides technical assistance and education programs, and encourages grassroots participation in the sport.
UWW also plays a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion and representation of wrestling in the Olympic Games. The organization works closely with the IOC to ensure that wrestling maintains its status as an Olympic sport and contributes to the overall success of the Olympic Movement.
With its extensive membership, international reach, and diverse responsibilities, UWW is indeed a prominent and influential organization in the world of wrestling.
Rules and Regulation of United World Wrestling
United World Wrestling (UWW) is responsible for establishing and maintaining the rules and regulations for the sport of wrestling. These rules ensure fair competition and provide a standardized framework for wrestling matches. Here are some key rules and regulations enforced by UWW:
Weight Classes: UWW establishes weight classes for each style of wrestling, including freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and women’s wrestling. Wrestlers are grouped into specific weight categories to ensure fairness and competitive balance.
Match Duration: The duration of a wrestling match varies depending on the style and level of competition. Typically, senior-level freestyle and Greco-Roman matches consist of two three-minute periods, while women’s matches often have two two-minute periods. In some tournaments, the duration may be longer for championship rounds.
Scoring: UWW has specific criteria for scoring points in wrestling matches. Points are awarded for actions such as takedowns, reversals, exposure of an opponent’s back to the mat, and near falls. The specific scoring criteria may differ slightly between freestyle, Greco-Roman, and women’s wrestling.
Out-of-Bounds: If a wrestler steps out of the designated wrestling area (the mat), the match is momentarily stopped, and the wrestler is returned to the center. The referee may penalize a wrestler for continually avoiding wrestling or pushing their opponent out of bounds.
Fouls and Penalties: UWW has guidelines for fouls and penalties that can be imposed on wrestlers for infractions such as unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal holds, stalling, or unnecessary roughness. Penalties may result in the loss of points or disqualification from the match, depending on the severity.
Uniform and Equipment: UWW specifies the type of wrestling uniform and equipment that wrestlers must use, including the singlet, wrestling shoes, and protective gear such as headgear for certain styles and age groups.
It’s important to note that the specific rules and regulations may be subject to change or updates by UWW. The federation periodically reviews and modifies the rules to adapt to the evolving nature of the sport and ensure the highest standards of fairness and safety. Wrestlers, coaches, and officials should consult the most current rulebook provided by UWW for detailed and up-to-date regulations.
Role to Rule
If you are referring to the phrase “role to rule,” it can be interpreted in different ways. However, in the context of United World Wrestling (UWW), we can discuss the organization’s role in establishing and enforcing rules to govern the sport of wrestling.
UWW plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining the rules and regulations that govern wrestling competitions worldwide. These rules serve as a framework to ensure fair play, standardize the sport, and create a level playing field for all participants.
By establishing rules, united world wrestling (UWW) provides a clear structure for how wrestling matches should be conducted, including criteria for scoring, time limits, weight classes, and penalties for rule violations. These rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the sport, promote athlete safety, and facilitate consistent and fair competition.
UWW’s role in setting rules extends beyond the technical aspects of the sport. The organization also establishes guidelines for athlete eligibility, anti-doping measures, uniform requirements, and other administrative aspects that contribute to the overall governance of wrestling.
By fulfilling its role in defining and enforcing rules, UWW helps to maintain the standards and principles of the sport of wrestling, ensuring that competitions are conducted in a fair and regulated manner.
Membership authority
As the international governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW) holds the authority to grant membership to national wrestling federations. UWW is responsible for overseeing and regulating the sport globally, and it works closely with its member federations to promote and develop wrestling at the national and international levels.
National wrestling federations seeking membership in UWW must meet certain criteria and requirements set by the organization. These criteria may include factors such as the federation’s structure, governance, adherence to UWW’s rules and regulations, and commitment to promoting and developing wrestling within their respective countries.
UWW grants membership to national wrestling federations based on their compliance with these criteria. Once a federation becomes a member of UWW, it gains access to various benefits and resources offered by the international governing body. This includes participation in UWW-sanctioned competitions, access to technical assistance and development programs, and representation within the decision-making processes of UWW.
Membership in UWW provides national federations with a platform to connect with the global wrestling community, collaborate with other member federations, and contribute to the growth and development of the sport internationally.
It’s worth noting that the specific requirements for membership may be subject to change, and interested federations should reach out to UWW directly to obtain the most up-to-date information and guidelines regarding membership application and acceptance.
Statement over Indian wrestling federation

New Delhi The ongoing demurrers by wrestlers in the country have now come an transnational issue. United World Wrestling i.e. UWW, the world’s apex body of wrestlers, has hovered to sack the Wrestling Federation of India. On May 30, the UWW issued a statement explosively condemning the police action on the wrestlers and their apprehensions. Also expressed disappointment over the ongoing disquisition against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. | |
However, also there’s talk of suspending India If the choices of the Wrestling Federation of India aren’t held within 45 days. Let us tell you that for the last month, under the leadership of wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia, wrestlers from all over the country were carrying a sit-heft at Jantar Mantar, professing sexual importunity by Indian wrestling principal Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. |
