United World Wrestling defers 2026 World Championships in Bahrain citing geopolitical concerns
The United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for the sport, has postponed the 2026 World Championships, originally scheduled to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from October 24 to November 1, due to the prevailing geopolitical situation in the region.
“United World Wrestling (UWW), in close coordination with the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, announces the postponement of the 2026 World Championships originally scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” the sport’s global governing body said in a statement on Friday.
The decision was taken after careful and responsible consideration of the current geopolitical situation in the region, particularly the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Gulf region and its broader impact on regional stability and international travel, the statement said.
“While Bahrain remains fully committed to hosting world-class sporting events, all parties believe that the safety, confidence, and overall experience of athletes, officials, delegations, partners, and fans must remain the highest priority,” the UWW statement said.
The UWW said it was important to make the decision early and transparently, as it would provide sufficient time to identify a new host.
“As organisations dedicated to the growth and integrity of international sport, UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation believe it is important to make this decision with adequate time and transparency, rather than waiting until the final stages of preparation. Acting responsibly now allows sufficient opportunity to evaluate a potential new host nation for 2026, so that the competition venue can be identified and the event prepared in a professional and orderly manner,” the statement said.
The UWW statement added that despite the decision, it remains mindful that sport “remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity”.
“Wrestling has always been more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, cultures, and people. At a time when the world faces uncertainty and division, we are reminded that sport remains a universal language of peace, respect, and unity. It is in this spirit that UWW, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and the Bahrain Wrestling Federation issue this joint statement together,” it said.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the global wrestling family — athletes, national federations, coaches, officials, partners, and supporters around the world — for their understanding, solidarity, and continued support. United World Wrestling works closely with its national members in a spirit of cooperation, trust, and shared commitment to protecting the interests of the sport and its global community,” the statement added.
Further updates regarding revised dates and hosting considerations will be communicated in due course.
–IANS
