#Tokyo2020

IOC Confirms Wrestling's Qualification Process

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - 14:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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The International Olympic Committee Executive Committee just approved the Wrestling Qualification System for Tokyo 2020. United World Wrestling is one of the first International Federations that updated its Qualification System for Tokyo 2020.

The main principles and rules will remain the same. As mentioned earlier to all the National Wrestling Federations, Morocco, Hungary and China will keep the organization of the Continental Qualifiers and Bulgaria will organize the World Qualification.

We are very happy to be able to announce the next steps towards the Olympic Games for all the athletes. They will have clear understanding of the qualification process and be able to adjust their preparation to achieve their goal – be qualified for the Games.

The main change in that document is the eligibility to attend the Olympic Games. The athletes who will turn 18 years old (2003) in 2021 will be allowed to compete in the Qualifiers and in the Olympic Games.

You will be able to find the complete Qualification System on our Website - https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/200428_final_qs_wrestling.pdf

UWW and Iran sign MoU to bring Chouke under Associated Styles

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 13:07 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 20) — United World Wrestling and the Iran Wrestling Federation took a significant step to promote Choukhe, signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding.

The MoU will enable both organizations to work together to promote and protect Chouke, a traditional form of wrestling, under the UWW Associated Styles.

Both UWW and the Iranian federation will also work to develop Chouke under their umbrella. This agreement's objective is to facilitate the protection, development, and promotion of Chouke. As per the agreement, both parties will hold regular meetings to exchange ideas and share knowledge.

Chouke is a traditional form of wrestling in Iran with wrestlers performing on mud in a marked circular ring. Each bout is of five minutes with more than one bout conducted at the same time. In case of a tie with a one-minute break, three minutes of extra time are added. Within three minutes, the wrestler who earns the first point will be the winner.

This style of wrestling does not allow the wrestler to touch his opponent's legs. The bout can only be fought with grips above the waist. There are different ways to score points in Chouke.

One point is awarded for a takedown, two points are awarded if a throw is completed outside the ring, and one if completed inside. Most other moves award only one point. A fall occurs when even one shoulder touches the ground.

Both wrestlers have to wear the official clothes to compete in Chouke. A t-shirt, a special jacket and a short are considered to be official outfit. The shirt must be long enough to go below the waist and the sleeves be long till the elbow. A strong cloth belt must be tied around the waist of the wrestlers and is fixed at the back and the wrestlers compete barefoot.

The old form of wrestling has a special place in Iranian history, and the agreement will help with its growth and development in Iran. UWW's commitment to work closely with the Iran federation for Chouke is in line with its vision to grow and promote all the traditional forms of the oldest form of the sport.