Beijing Olympics 2008 Wrestling Events

History of Wrestling Sports:

Two types of wrestling events are included in the Olympiad:

• Freestyle Wrestling Event
• Greco-Roman Wrestling Event

Wrestling

• Wrestling is one of the oldest sports to be contested.
• Wrestling was introduced to the ancient Olympics in 708 BC.
• Freestyle wrestling is similar to American collegiate style.
• Freestyle wrestling has unlimited hold.
• Freestyle wrestling holds can be applied to any part of the body.
• In Greco-Roman wrestling, the holds can be applied only to the upper body.
• Women’s wrestling was introduced to the Olympic Games in 2004.
• Wrestling was on the programme at the first modern Olympics in 1896.
• 1900 was the only year that wrestling did not feature on the Olympic programme.
• Till 1920, only the Greco-Roman style of wrestling was contested.
• Since 1920, both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling have been consistently contested at the Olympics.
• Since 1972, wrestling has had 10 classes in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.
• In 2000, the classes in wrestling were reduced to 7.
• Russia and the US have dominated the wrestling sport.

Venues for Wrestling Sport in Beijing Olympics 2008:

The wrestling event of the 29th Olympic Games will be held at China Agriculture University Gymnasium in Beijing from August 12-21, 2008.

Athlete Quota for Wrestling Event in Summer Olympics 2008:

• 266 men
• 64 women
• 7 Oceania athletes (sex not specified)
• 7 Final qualification places (sex not specified)
• Total of 260 athletes

Equipments for Wrestling Sports:

• A red or blue wrestling suit made of stretch material.
• Soft leather boots with no heels or studs.

Rules for Wrestling Events:

• The rules for the game shall be outlined by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles' (FILA).
• Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) shall be the pursuant of the Olympic Charter.
• Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) shall also be responsible for the technical control and direction of the sport.
• In case of conflict, the decision rests in the hands of President of Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) or his Deputy.
• Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) will be responsible for the appointment of 60 Referees.

Competition:

Format for Wrestling Sports:

• The direct elimination system is adopted in competitions.
• The ideal number of wrestlers is 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 and so on.
• If the total number of wrestlers is not ideal, qualification matches will take place.
• Pairing is done by random drawing of numbers.
• The wrestlers who lost to finalists shall have repechage matches for the bronze medal.
• The matches for each weight category complete in one day.
• The category weigh-in takes place one day prior to the matches.

Order of Events

The competition takes place in the following manner:

• Qualification round (if required)
• Elimination rounds
• Repechages
• Finals

Weigh-in Wrestling Events

• The weigh-in will be conducted at the China Agricultural University Gymnasium.
• Officials appointed by the FILA will supervise the weigh-in.
• The draw will take place at the same time as the weigh-in.
• Weigh-ins will take place one day prior to the category competitions.
• Medical Examination will take place from 14:00-15:00 hours.
• Weigh-in will take place from 15:00-15:30 hours.

Wrestling Events in Beijing Olympics 2008:

The following events are included in the program for Beijing Olympics 2008:

Wrestling Freestyle Events:

• Upto 55kg Men
• 55 - 60kg Men
• 60 - 66kg Men
• 66 - 74kg Men
• 74 - 84kg Men
• 84 - 96kg Men
• 96 - 120kg Men
• Upto 48kg Women
• 48 - 55kg Women
• 55 - 63kg Women
• 63 - 72kg Women

Wrestling Greco-Roman Events

• Upto 55kg Men
• 55 - 60kg Men
• 60 - 66kg Men
• 66 - 74kg Men
• 74 - 84kg Men
• 84 - 96kg Men
• 96 - 120kg Men