Did the Olympics Remove Wrestling?By Coder| September 1, 2023 Wrestling The removal of wrestling from the Olympic program came as a shock to many sports enthusiasts and athletes around the world. Wrestling, which has been a part of the Olympics since its ancient origins, was dropped from the list of core sports by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2013. This decision caused uproar and prompted fierce debates within the wrestling community. Why was wrestling removed? The IOC stated that wrestling was dropped from the list of core sports due to several reasons. One of the main factors was a lack of global popularity and viewership. The committee believed that other sports could attract more attention and generate higher revenue for the Olympics. Another reason cited was that wrestling did not meet certain criteria set by the IOC, such as gender equality, universality, and popularity among youth. The committee aimed to modernize the Olympic program and make it more appealing to younger generations. The aftermath The removal of wrestling sparked an outcry from athletes, coaches, and fans worldwide. Wrestling holds a deep historical significance in many cultures and is considered one of the oldest competitive sports in existence. Many wrestlers expressed their disappointment, stating that being part of the Olympic Games was not only a dream come true but also a platform for promoting their sport on an international stage. Wrestlers argued that removing wrestling from the Olympics would hinder its growth and development globally. Wrestling’s reinstatement In response to public outrage, there was a strong movement advocating for wrestling’s reinstatement in the Olympics. The international wrestling federation (FILA) made significant changes to address some of the concerns raised by the IOC. FILA implemented new rules to make matches more spectator-friendly and easier to understand for non-wrestling fans. They also focused on increasing gender equality by introducing more weight categories for women. FILA actively worked on promoting the sport among youth through various initiatives and grassroots programs. The return of wrestling Fortunately, all the efforts paid off, and wrestling was reinstated in the Olympics. In September 2013, the IOC voted to include wrestling as a core sport for the 2020 Olympic Games. This decision was met with immense joy and relief from wrestlers and fans worldwide. The IOC’s decision to remove wrestling from the Olympic program served as a wake-up call for the wrestling community. It prompted them to work even harder to promote their sport, ensure its inclusivity, and enhance its global appeal. Conclusion In conclusion, the temporary removal of wrestling from the Olympic program was a significant blow to the sport and its followers. However, it also served as a catalyst for positive change within the wrestling community. The sport made necessary adjustments to align with modern Olympic standards and successfully regained its place in one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
