Considered the world’s oldest sport, wrestling involves grappling an opponent on the mat using throws and takedowns, with the goal of putting their shoulders on the mat simultaneously. The essence of Wrestling is: with no equipment, no grasping at clothing and two athletes trying to pin each other’s shoulders.

Wrestling featured in the ancient Olympic Games in 708 BC, and later, the sport's Greco-Roman (GR) style was included in Athens 1896, the first Games of the modern era. Eight years later, freestyle wrestling (FS) was introduced at the St. Louis 1904 Games. Women's freestyle (WW) wrestling joined the Olympic programme at Athens in 2004. 

Wrestling is competed across different age groups and weight classes. There are 10 weight categories in each of the Olympic wrestling styles (FS, GR, WW):

Weight categories

(*Note: The weight categories marked in bold are the Olympic categories in each style)

The competition programme at the World and Continental Championships includes 10 weight categories per style, while six weight categories each for men's Greco-Roman, Freestyle and Women's Wrestling are included in the Olympics. 

For all weight categories, there is a direct elimination system that eventually decides the two finalists. All wrestlers who lose to a finalist are entered into repechage. 

The competition follows a two-day format: 

• Day 1: 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 Finals
• Day 2: Repechage and Finals

All competing wrestlers must go through the weight-in process which is held two hours before the start of the competition. The weigh-in and the medical check-up last 30 minutes. For the wrestlers competing on the second day, the weigh-in will last 15 minutes.

Wrestling is contested on a mat that is nine metres wide in diameter and includes a one-meter-wide orange ring, known as the passivity zone. Forming an integral part of the wrestling mat, the zone is drawn along the circumference on the inside of the circle.

A wrestling bout lasts for two (2) periods of 3 minutes with a 30-second break. To win, a wrestler must hold down both shoulders of their opponent to the mat after which the match ends. This is called a “fall”. If no fall is secured during the bout, the winner is decided based on points awarded to wrestlers for putting their opponent at a disadvantage. 

One (1), two (2), four (4) or five (5) points can be awarded to a wrestler based on the action of the wrestlers. For example:

• 1 point is awarded for moving the opponent out of the 9-meter competition circle;
• 2 points for a takedown or exposing an opponent’s back to the mat;
• 4 points for throwing an opponent while standing; and
• 5 points for throwing an opponent in with grand amplitude. 

With so many scoring options available to wrestlers, bouts often remain competitive throughout the stipulated six minutes, with wrestlers often attempting darting attacks and spectacular throws until the final whistle.

In Olympic Wrestling, there are three disciplines:

Greco-Roman

Greco-Roman wrestlers use only their upper bodies and arms. It involves lots of dynamic skills, such as throws using the upper body, and is fascinating for its raw power.

Wrestlers cannot actively use their legs to complete an action or to defend.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, a bout may also end when there is an 8-point difference with the wrestler with most points winning by “technical superiority”. 

Freestyle & Women’s Wrestling

In these disciplines, wrestlers can use any part of their body during the bout. It is based on unbalancing an opponent through leg attacks, throws, and counter defensive techniques. 

Freestyle and Women’s Wrestling follow the same rules (except for the hold named “double Nelson” which is forbidden in Women’s Wrestling).

In both styles, a 10-point difference is necessary to win by “technical superiority.”

You may find more details about the rules governing the sport in the International Wrestling Rules here.

UWW also oversees other styles of Wrestling:

• Beach Wrestling
• Grappling
• Pankration
• Traditional Wrestling