The U.S. Embassy in Athens sent a distinguished representative to speak to both Team USA and Team Greece ahead of the U17 Freestyle World Championships and the launch of the Wrestling for Peace (W4P) 2025 Global Campaign. Gathered in a room charged with anticipation and shared commitment, young athletes from two proud nations listened as Lieutenant Colonel Tony George of the United States Air Force delivered a stirring address.

In the sweltering summer heat of Athens, Greece, Wrestling for Peace (W4P) and SportsLife came together this July to host a powerful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Olympic Wrestling Camp — setting the tone for the U17 Men’s Freestyle World Championships.

Wrestling for Peace (W4P) is excited to announce the appointment of Kristi Mann to the W4P Executive Board. Kristi brings unparalleled leadership and a deep passion for wrestling, backed by an illustrious track record at both state and national levels.

In May, W4P ambassadors completed a pivotal site visit to the ancient city meeting with local NGOs, refugee advocates, and government officials to explore partnerships aimed at empowering underserved youth and creating opportunities for cross-cultural connection through sport.

Las Vegas, NV – The future of American wrestling was on full display at the 2025 US Open, where ten standout young athletes earned their spots on the U17 Freestyle World Team. The team, formed after a weekend of intense competition, is now setting its sights on the global stage in Athens, Greece.

As the global wrestling community prepares for the 2025 Veteran World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, we are thrilled to announce that four-time World Champion George Porter will be joining the Wrestling for Peace initiative as a Global Ambassador. His leadership and dedication to the sport make him an ideal figure to champion this important cause, and his involvement will significantly elevate the goals of our global peace-building efforts.

In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility and global impact, GuidePoint Security has announced its sponsorship of the Wrestling for Peace 2025 Global Campaign. This initiative, in partnership with USA Wrestling, seeks to leverage the universal appeal of wrestling to promote peace, unity, and cultural exchange around the globe.

Wrestling for Peace (W4P) has witnessed an extraordinary journey in Jordan, where women's wrestling is not just a sport, but a movement that is giving greater opportunity for all athletes to excel in athletic competition. What began as a small initiative three years ago has blossomed into a trailblazing force, with young women breaking barriers and achieving milestones that were once unimaginable.

Chargé d’Affaires Guevara at the United States Embassy warmly welcomed a U.S. Sports Envoy to Azerbaijan, extending heartfelt thanks for their efforts in promoting the inclusion of women and girls in sports while strengthening U.S. - Azerbaijan relations. This historic trip was part of a U.S. State Department Sports Exchange program themed “Empowering Girls and Women Through Wrestling.”

It is no secret that Iran often dominates the Asian Wrestling Championships. Amidst headlines reporting on the Iran-Israel conflict and the United State’s involvement in the Middle East, a remarkable display of sportsmanship and diplomacy unfolded at the Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan April 11-16, 2024.

Tajikistan shares a complex history with its neighbor, Kyrgyzstan, marked by territorial disputes and occasional outbreaks of violence. Against this backdrop of tension, initiatives like Wrestling for Peace (W4P) take on added significance. W4P is more than just a sporting event; it is a platform for bringing together communities, transcending barriers, and nurturing a sense of purpose.

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news! Our Wrestling for Peace Ambassadors have been extended a prestigious invitation to be special guests at the upcoming World Nomad Games in Astana, Kazakhstan, September 8-14, 2024. In this incredible gathering of peoples and nations, with 20 sports represented, we will be diving headfirst into the growing international sport of Mas-wrestling.

In a world too often fraught with division and conflict, initiatives that promote peace and unity are beacons of hope. One such initiative recently made its mark in Cape Town, South Africa, as Wrestling for Peace offered a clinic aimed at empowering the local community through the sport of wrestling.

Wrestling for Peace arrived in Tirana, Albania for the U23 World Championships on October 23, 2023. The championships showcased the best of the best young wrestlers from across the globe. The competition commenced with Freestyle, followed by the Women and then finishing with Greco-Roman.

Wrestling for Peace celebrated a significant victory as Pakistan triumphed on the world stage at the Veterans World Championships held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Mohammad Akram Khan, representing Pakistan, clinched a prestigious bronze medal in the esteemed tournament, marking a momentous achievement for Pakistani wrestling.

In the heart of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the wrestling mats became arenas not just for physical prowess but also for the spirit of unity and peace. The 2022 Veterans World Wrestling Championships witnessed a remarkable display of skill and camaraderie as athletes from across the globe converged to compete. Among them were two exceptional wrestlers from Jordan, Saleh Alzriqat and Yahya Abu Tabeekh, whose journey to the podium was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the power of support and solidarity.

In a world often marred by conflicts and divisions, it's encouraging to witness initiatives that strive to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding among nations. The inaugural Caucasus Wrestling Championships held in Amman, Jordan, stands as a shining example of such efforts, bringing together communities from diverse backgrounds under the common banner of sport and peace.

In the vast expanse of Mongolia, where the winds whisper tales of ancient nomads and the land echoes with the spirit of resilience, a unique convergence of tradition, sport, and diplomacy unfolds. Mrs. Buyana Peljee, esteemed UWW Asia Secretary General, extended an invitation to Wrestling for Peace Ambassador, Dan Russell, to partake in a festival unlike any other, a celebration deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Mongolian culture.