Is Wrestling Being Removed From Olympics?

Is Wrestling Being Removed From Olympics?

There has been a lot of speculation and concern in recent years about whether wrestling will be removed from the Olympics. Wrestling has a long and storied history in the Olympic Games, dating all the way back to ancient Greece. However, in 2013, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a surprising decision to remove wrestling from the list of core sports for the 2020 Olympics.

The Controversial Decision

This decision came as a shock to many, as wrestling had always been considered one of the most traditional and popular Olympic sports. The IOC cited several reasons for their decision, including a lack of global popularity and viewership, as well as concerns over gender equality and diversity in Olympic sports.

Despite the IOC’s decision, there was an immediate outcry from wrestlers, fans, and even other athletes who believed that removing wrestling from the Olympics would be a huge loss for both the sport and the Games themselves.

The Fight to Save Wrestling

After hearing about the removal of wrestling from the Olympics, various wrestling organizations and advocates around the world rallied together to fight for its reinstatement. Wrestlers themselves organized campaigns and protests to raise awareness about the importance of their sport in Olympic history.

Their efforts paid off when, just seven months after its initial removal announcement, wrestling was reinstated for the 2020 Olympics.

A New Era for Wrestling

This victory not only secured wrestling’s place in future Olympic Games but also prompted significant changes within the sport itself. The IOC’s decision forced wrestling federations worldwide to reevaluate their approach and make necessary changes to adapt to modern times.

• Increased gender equality: One of the major concerns raised by the IOC was the lack of female representation in wrestling. As a result, wrestling organizations have made significant efforts to promote and develop women’s wrestling, including introducing more weight classes and hosting more women’s tournaments.
• Improved presentation: To address the lack of global popularity and viewership, wrestling organizations have focused on improving the presentation of the sport.

  This includes implementing new rules to make matches more exciting and engaging for viewers.

• Enhanced inclusivity: In recent years, wrestling has become more inclusive by actively promoting participation from athletes with disabilities. This has not only expanded opportunities for disabled wrestlers but has also helped to change public perception about the sport.

The Future of Wrestling in the Olympics

While wrestling’s reinstatement for the 2020 Olympics was a significant victory, there is still work to be done to secure its place in future Games. The sport must continue to evolve, adapt, and promote itself on a global scale to ensure that it remains relevant in an ever-changing sporting landscape.

In conclusion, while there was a time when it seemed like wrestling might be removed from the Olympic Games altogether, its reinstatement for 2020 proved that with determination and advocacy, even traditional sports can find their place in modern times.