Why Was Olympic Wrestling Cancelled?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Why Was Olympic Wrestling Cancelled? The decision to cancel Olympic wrestling was met with shock and disappointment around the world. Wrestling has been a staple of the Olympic Games since its inception in ancient Greece, so why was it suddenly removed from the program? The IOC’s Decision In February 2013, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its decision to drop wrestling from the list of core sports for the 2020 Olympic Games. This decision came as a surprise to many, as wrestling had been a part of every modern Olympics since 1896. Reasons for Cancellation: Lack of Global Appeal: One of the key reasons cited by the IOC was wrestling’s declining popularity and lack of global appeal. The sport struggled to attract younger audiences and failed to generate significant television ratings. Gender Equality: The IOC also emphasized the need for gender equality in sports. Wrestling was criticized for having only men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman events, while women’s wrestling was not included until 2004. The IOC sought to promote sports that offered equal opportunities for both genders. Poor Governance: Another factor contributing to wrestling’s removal was its governance issues. The sport faced allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and doping scandals. The IOC believed that wrestling needed significant reforms in its administration to maintain its place in the Olympics. Wrestling Fights Back The decision sparked a global outcry from wrestlers, fans, and officials who believed that removing this historic sport would be a great loss for the Olympics. Wrestling federations worldwide launched campaigns to save their beloved sport. The Road to Reinstatement: Reforms: Wrestling’s governing body, FILA, made significant reforms to address the concerns raised by the IOC. They implemented changes in rules, equipment, and management practices to make the sport more appealing and attractive to a wider audience. Promotion of Women’s Wrestling: FILA took steps to promote women’s wrestling and increase gender equality within the sport. They introduced more weight categories for women and actively encouraged participation at all levels. Global Outreach: Wrestling federations organized international events, competitions, and grassroots programs to showcase the sport’s universal appeal. They worked towards engaging younger generations through social media campaigns and initiatives Targeting schools and communities. In September 2013, wrestling made it back onto the Olympic program as a provisional sport for the 2020 Games. It competed against seven other sports for one available spot. Finally, in 2016, wrestling was officially reinstated as a core Olympic sport for future editions. The Legacy of Wrestling Wrestling’s cancellation served as a wakeup call for the sport’s stakeholders. It forced them to recognize the need for change and adapt to modern times. The challenges faced during this period led to a revitalization of wrestling worldwide. The Positive Impact: Inclusion of New Weight Categories: As part of the reforms undertaken by FILA, new weight categories were introduced in men’s freestyle wrestling. This change allowed more athletes from different weight classes to participate in the Olympics. Rise of Women’s Wrestling: The efforts made by FILA and national federations to promote women’s wrestling have paid off. Women’s wrestling has gained popularity and recognition, making it an integral part of the sport. Improved Governance: Wrestling federations have worked diligently to address governance issues and improve transparency within the sport. They have implemented stricter anti-doping measures and taken steps to prevent corruption. Overall, the cancellation of Olympic wrestling served as a wake-up call for the sport. It prompted necessary changes and reforms that ultimately led to its reinstatement. Wrestling continues to evolve and inspire athletes worldwide, keeping its rightful place as one of the most ancient and beloved Olympic sports.
