Rule Modifications

Rule Modifications Announced for Greco-Roman

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY (January 22) -- United World Wrestling has announced detailed rule modifications for Greco-Roman wrestling. The modifications were enacted in August in Paris, France and took effect on January 1, 2018.

The intent of the rule modifications is to make the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling more active, more offensive and more dynamic, with an emphasis placed on scoring from the standing position.

Negative wrestling, which includes things such as blocking, pushing, and interlocking fingers, will penalized much stricter. 

Key points with Greco-Roman rule modifications:

•    All cautions are worth 1 point.
•    Standing wrestling is principle element in Greco-Roman wrestling.
•    Interruption due to passivity is limited.
•    Ordered bottom wrestling only if wrestlers are nearly equal in standing.
•    Only one ordered bottom wrestling per period.
•    New way of ordered bottom wrestling (lying on the stomach).
•    Negative wrestling is prevented immediately.
•    Passivity is confirmed by the mat chairman, along with falls and cautions.

For a closer look at these rules and others, please consult the 2018 United World Wrestling Rules and Regulations Handbook posted on the UWW homepage. 
 

Olympic silver medalist Oborududu announces retirement

By Vinay Siwach

NIGERIA (June 6) -- Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing OBORUDUDU (NGR) announced her retirement last week, ending a memorable career in wrestling.

The 36-year-old called it quits at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, a tournament she made her first appearance as a young wrestler in 2006.

In a career spanning 19 years, Oborududu won the African Championships 13 times, became the first African wrestler to win Olympic silver medal in Women's Wrestling and finished fifth at the Paris Olympics.

Oborududu participated won her first gold at the African Championships in 2010 and maintained her winning streak at the tournament for 15 years. 

“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey: the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel IGALI, the board members, my teammates, and my family,” Oborududu was quoted as saying by the Nigeria media. "I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics, which ignited hope across Africa. It was the first-ever medal by an African woman in wrestling at the Olympics, and I hope more will come for future wrestlers."

At the sports festival, Oborududu helped Team Bayelsa clinch gold medal in her final bout at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival. He later received a farewell from teammates, officials and fans.