The “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Sports Hall in Koprivnica, Croatia, will host the prestigious Balkan Wrestling Championships for U15, U17, and U20 age categories across Greco-Roman, Men’s Freestyle, and Women’s Wrestling from Monday, September 28, to Monday, October 5, 2026.
Across eight full competition days, Koprivnica and Wrestling Club Podravka will welcome more than 900 athletes, coaches, referees, and official delegates from 14 nations. The tournament schedule is arranged into three distinct age cycles:
U15 (Boys & Girls): September 28 – September 30
U17 (Cadets): September 30 – October 2
U20 (Juniors): October 2 – October 5
Official proceedings begin well ahead of the opening whistle: a significant portion of the refereeing delegation arrives in Koprivnica on Sunday morning, September 27. Throughout Sunday and Monday, officials will conduct mandatory technical meetings, referee clinics, and the written examination for international United World Wrestling (UWW) category certification. Practical evaluations will take place directly on the competition mats throughout the tournament.
For this championship, United World Wrestling has designated two official UWW delegates: Zvonko Očić (Croatia) and international referee Ferenc Gyarmati (Romania). They will supervise a 17-member international officiating corps alongside one domestic referee from Croatia and Koprivnica—Filip Verčević, who is sitting for his international UWW referee license at this event.
The first participating teams and national delegations arrive in Koprivnica on Monday, September 28, entering directly into official accreditation, verification of entries, and registration protocols.
Staging an international event of this magnitude under UWW governance requires months of coordinated preparation, regional accommodation and transport across three counties, tournament-grade IT systems, and strict protocol delivery.
Darko Tetec – President of the Organizing Committee
Strategic event governance, overall budget management and financial cash-flow oversight, institutional alignment with the City of Koprivnica, Koprivnica-Križevci County, commercial partners, and statutory bodies, alongside protocol receptions for foreign and domestic delegations.
Tin Bregović & Slavko Benčec – Event Supervision (Croatian Wrestling Federation)
Secretary General Tin Bregović and Slavko Benčec oversee operational compliance with UWW regulatory standards, administrative federation support, entry verification, and national sports equipment logistics.
Vedran Blažeković – Head of Operations / Project Director
Chief operational coordinator responsible for cross-sector synchronization, direct budget and cost administration in close collaboration with Committee President Darko Tetec, day-to-day liaison with UWW and the national federation, and operational control over all competition, training, and educational programming.
Responsible for arena readiness, three official UWW regulation mats, warm-up and training facilities, competition protocol, and national team leadership across styles and age divisions:
Greco-Roman (GR) – U15 & U17: Eugen Jakovljević and Filip Koščić
Women’s Wrestling (WW) – U15 & U17: Dinko Kremić and Laura Čičković
Greco-Roman (GR) – U20: Neven Žugaj
Women’s Wrestling (WW) – U20: Ivan Lončarić
Coaching Staff & Female Squad Support: Ghadir Zahabi
Luka Šikuten (NOVI LAB) – Head of Visual Identity, Media Production & Streaming
Directs the championship brand identity, visual assets, graphic design, and print production (main arena backdrops, perimeter banners, roll-up displays, access credentials, vouchers, and promotional posters). Heads the technical and studio production for simultaneous three-mat multi-camera live streaming featuring real-time digital graphics and scoreboards.
Antonia Lončarić – Head of Social Media & Digital Strategy
Oversees club and event social media channels, real-time publishing, video asset production, and digital web galleries. Manages a specialized on-site field team:
Two mobile video content creators capturing real-time match highlights, flash interviews, and behind-the-scenes content tailored for social platforms (Reels / Stories / Shorts).
Two official photographers (Damir Lukačić and Nino Smolak) providing non-stop arena, podium, and feature photography with a target output exceeding 150 edited high-resolution images daily for media distribution and tournament archives.
Nenad Grežina & Tara Tetec – Heads of VIP Sector & Guest Relations
Responsible for the operation of the VIP hospitality lounge, protocol receptions for visiting dignitaries, corporate sponsors, and federation officials, VIP badge administration, and the catering coordination throughout the week.
Matija Petriš – Head of IT & Accreditation Center
Manages official UWW digital infrastructure (ATHENA and ARENA databases), credential generation, tournament bracket draws, real-time digital scoring displays, and the technical deployment of the video challenge review system.
Miroslav Mihalec – Arena Manager & Technical Logistics
Oversees physical logistics at “Josip Samaržija – Bepo” Hall, mat and platform assembly, broadcast cabling support, lighting, public address, HVAC systems, official weigh-in scales, and thermal sauna facilities.
Dinko Kremić – Head of Public Relations & Ceremonial Protocol
Press operations center manager, media communications, daily bulletin releases, medal ceremony direction, and executive producer of the official opening ceremony: “Dove of Peace – Unity Through Sport.”
The opening ceremony features a specially choreographed performance by 40 performers from Twirling Club Ludbreg, Twirling Club Donji Kraljevec, and Twirling Club Goričan, serving as the artistic centerpiece of the opening festivities.
Tihomir Husnjak – Head of Logistics, Lodging & Fleet Operations
Coordinates regional hotel reservations and capacity management across three neighboring counties for more than 900 participants, while directing local shuttle scheduling, train terminal pickups, and airport transfers.
Filip Verčević & Stefan Ostoić – Security, Medical Services & Volunteer Leadership
Lead safety coordination, venue security, on-site emergency medicine, and physiotherapy crews. Directly manage and assign a crew of more than 50 event volunteers covering mat marshaling, access control, and logistical support across every sector of the tournament.
Backed by months of strategic preparation and dedicated operational specialists, Koprivnica stands ready to deliver a premier international wrestling tournament. Fans, supporters, and sports enthusiasts are invited to follow the action live at “Bepo” Hall or tune in through official live streams and club social media channels.