Wrestling Fights its Way Back onto Olympic Programme

Friday, January 3, 2020 - 15:12 By Tim Foley

United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic speaks at the 125th IOC Session (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (January 3) – The news spread quickly. On the morning of February 12, 2013, the International Olympic Committee Executive Board voted that wrestling be eliminated from the Olympic Programme. The 2016 Rio Olympic Games would be the sport’s last as a member of the Olympic family.

By early afternoon stories had run on every major international wire and sports website informing the worldwide wrestling community of the sport’s unlikely elimination from the Olympic Games. With the information came an immediate and worldwide mobilization effort aimed at earning back wrestling’s position on the Olympic programme.

Reacting to the news, the FILA bureau met in Thailand to decide next steps. It was apparent that there had been missed signs and opportunities for organizational improvement and the bureau moved quickly to elect a new president, ultimately choosing Serbian businessman Nenad Lalovic. Two months later Lalovic was elected interim president during an extraordinary Congress in Moscow and set the tone of hard work and cooperation that would ultimately prove successful in helping the sport recapture its spot in the Olympic Games.

“What goes on in this room today and the days that follow will determine if we are an Olympic sport after 2016. We have been given a strong message by the IOC. How we answer that message will determine if our future includes the Olympic Games. We need to convince the IOC that we will listen to them. We are strong enough to change,” said Lalovic.

By June there were promotional events being held around the globe. In Japan a petition was signed with more than 1 million signatures. The United States and Russia raised millions of dollars to ensure additional promotion of values, consultation for a reshaping of the sport, and the creation of marketing and media departments.

In the midst of the upheaval the wrestling community had been given an opportunity. Shortly after the 125th IOC Session in September 2013 -- where members would vote to eliminate wrestling -- there would be a second vote allowing a new sport to earn its place on the programme. Wrestling was eligible for that slot, which allowed Lalovic and the wrestling community to focus its campaign on earning enough votes to win back the sport’s position in the Olympic Games.

The IOC has requests and Lalovic -- along with newly inspired cadre of wrestling leaders -- made the changes required to comply with good governance. One of the most pressing requests was that an effort be made for greater gender equity. Wrestling answered by expanding women’s wrestling to six weight categories to match with both Greco-Roman and men’s freestyle.

Competition rules were deemed too complicated for fans to follow so a new set was developed which simplified and focused action.

Women needed more representation in leadership positions. The referee body was to be separated from bureau control. Anti-doping education and enforcement were increased, and sport presentation was professionalized. As overhauls go, the renovation for wrestling would need to be complete.

On September 8, 2013 the 125th IOC Session took account of wrestling’s myriad initiatives and improvements and voted on whether or not to allow the sport back on to the programme for 2020 and beyond.

Wrestling – who faced competing bids from Squash and Baseball/Softball -- received 49 votes in the first ballot, which was enough to be awarded its position back in the Olympic Games.

"Today is the most important day in the 2,000-year history of our sport," Lalovic told the media in 2013. "We feel the weight of that history. Remaining on the Olympic programme is crucial to wrestling's survival."

From left to right: Jim Scherr, Daniel Igali, Lise Legrand, Carol Huynh and Nenad Lalovic were instrumental in getting wrestling back on the Olympic Programme (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

With the vote wrestling returned to the Olympics, but the energy -- the drive the change --wasn’t to wane.

"With this vote, you have shown that the steps we have taken to improve our sport have made a difference,” Lalovic said in addressing media after the 2013 vote. "I assure each of you that our modernization will not stop now. We will continue to strive to be the best partner to the Olympic movement that we can be."

Since 2013 the sport has continued to improve, develop, and grow. From a modernized development department to the inclusion of more women in leadership positions, and the signing of partnership, sponsor, TV and streaming deals –progress and innovation are at the center of the sport’s future.

FILA is now ‘United World Wrestling’ an organization with fresh branding and worldwide marketing initiatives. Gone are the yellow mats, replaced with eye-friendly deep blue with orange accents. The new rules are still creating some of the most entertaining sporting moments in the world, and more women have become top-of-the-fold superstars both inside the wrestling community and in the wider sports media.

United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic was elected to the same IOC executive board that had voted to eliminate the sport only five years before

President Lalovic has increased participation United World Wrestling’s cooperation with the IOC and was added as a member in 2015. In 2018 he was elected to the same IOC executive board that had voted to eliminate the sport only five years before.

“We can never forget the mistakes of our past,” said Lalovic. “But at the end of the decade it’s impossible to not feel optimistic. Our sport is the strongest it’s ever been, and we are excited for the 20’s so we can showcase our wrestlers in Tokyo, Paris, and Los Angeles. Wrestling is now and will always be part of the Olympic programme.”

#wrestlebishkek

Iran, Bahrain Put Three in Asian Championships Final

Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 05:02 By Ken Marantz & Vinay Siwach

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (April 11) -- Iran and Bahrain managed to put three wrestler each in the finals of Asian Championships on Saturday in Bishkek. India also continued its good show and put two wrestlers in the gold medal bouts for Sunday.

The DPR Korea and Japan managed to one wrestler each in the final.

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125kg semifinals - Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) with a fall in 41 seconds over DINESH (IND) to enter the final. He hits a double leg attack straight off the whistle and then works the fall.

Reigning world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) went of the offensive in the second period and powered to a 5-0 victory over BUHEEERDUN (CHN), giving the Iranian a chance for a second Asian gold in his second appearance after winning in 2024. With neither giant able to muster anything resembling a scoring opportunity, Zare scored the lone point of the first period via the activity clock. But Zare took the initiative in the second period, bulling Buheeerdun to the mat for a takedown, then adding a gut wrench to make it 5-0. At one point, Zare shot for a takedown and Buheeerdun knocked him off balance, but could not convert the opening. It was a better showing for Buheeerdun than the last time they met, when Zare whipped him 10-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Games.

92kg semifinals - Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) became another first-time finalist in Bishkek with a workmanlike 8-0 victory over Asian U20 bronze medalist Iakov CHAPLIN (KGZ). Sharipov took a 2-0 lead when he scored a stepout just seconds after the activity clock ran out on Chaplin for the lone points of the first period. In the second, Sharipov came out firing and scored a takedown with a driving tackle. He used his power again for a second, countering a takedown attempt by blocking a leg and driving ahead, then got behind for his third takedown of the period to make it 8-0.

U23 world champion Mobin AZIMI (IRI) earns a shot at his first senior Asian title after he wins 6-0 against Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ). He got the first point when Dauletbekov was put on the activity clock and then doubled the lead with a stepout. The exact sequence played out in the second period as well as Azimi led 4-0. A takedown for a 6-0 score sealed the win for Azimi.

86kg semifinals - Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) with a fireman's carry to score a four-pointer over Mukul DAHIYA (IND) to start the semifinal and he then adds a takedown to make it 6-0. Dahiya gets takedown before the break to cut the score to 6-2. Dahiya scores a takedown before break to cut the lead to 6-2. He opens the score period with a takedown to make it 6-4 before driving Sakayev for a two-point takedown. Sakayev keep a 6-6 criteria lead but Dahiya takes a clear lead with a go-behind. As Sakayev struggles with conditioning, Dahiya scores two more takedowns and wins the semifinals 12-6

Two-time world and Asian champion Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) proves too much for Asian U23 silver medalist Alp Arslan BEGENJOV (TKM), storming to an 11-0 victory to advance to the final in his first Asian appearance since winning the 92kg gold in 2021. Ghasempour, a bronze medalist at last year's World Championships, bides his time, first gaining an activity point before adding a takedown and gut wrench combination for a 5-0 lead in the first period. In the second, he scores with a high crotch, goes to the lace lock and rolls twice to end the match at 3:31. Begenjov was looking to become Turkmenistan's first finalist since 1999; he will now have a chance to become its first medalist since 2018 and the first-ever in Freestyle.

74kg semifinals - Orozbek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ) tries multiple ways to score on Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) but the Japanese just doesn't give up a takedown. He opened the match with a sweep single takedown and turned Toktomambetov for a 6-0 lead. Toktomambetov finally gets on Aoyagi's legs but the Japanese defends and then steps over to score two exposure points to lead 6-0 at the break. Both wrestlers go towards the edge and it is Toktomambetov who puts his hand out first which gives one point to Aoyagi. Kyrgyzstan challenges the call and lose it to add one more point to Aoyagi's score and make it 8-0. Aoyagi then blocks a throw from Toktomambetov and lands on top for two points and finish the bout.

Magomedrasul ASLUEV (BRN) won't have to settle for a bronze medal this time after making his first Asian final with a takedown in each period of a 4-3 victory over Asian U23 bronze medalist Begijon KULDASHEV (UZB). After Kuldashev could only come away with a stepout after getting in on a deep single, Asluev took the lead with a takedown to go ahead 2-1 at the break. Asluev, who won his second career bronze last year, added his second takedown early in the second period. Kuldashev used a nifty duck under for a takedown that cut the gap to 1 with :46 left, but Asluev held on to secure the best medal of his career.

61kg semifinals - Asian Games silver medalist Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) gets a takedown and then catches Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) on his back and pins the world bronze medalist. Abdullaev is left stunned as he walks off the mat.

In a thriller between two turbo-charged wrestlers, Olympic bronze medalist AMAN (IND) outlasts Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) 11-9 to earn a shot at a second career Asian gold. Javan sweeps in for a single and gets Aman's leg into the air, but instead of going to the mat, he drives Aman out and to his back for a 4-pointer. Aman responds with a double-leg takedown, then adds a stepout that the Iranian challenges but loses. Javan scores with another sweeping single, only for Aman to come back with a takedown to make it 6-6 at the break. Aman goes ahead with a stepout to start the second period, then stays on the offensive and gets another to make it 8-6 at the halfway point. Aman makes Javan, who continually takes breaks complaining of a sore ankle, work hard for a stepout, then comes right back with a takedown to go up 10-7 with :30 left. Javan makes one last push and gets a takedown in the final seconds, but is also assessed a 1-point penalty for being slow to continue the match.

Qualification Session Highlights

13:12: Superstar Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) takes the mat for the first time in the final match of the session. The reigning 125kg world champion and Olympic silver medalist fends off the attacks of a gutsy world U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), scoring three takedowns off counters in a 7-0 victory.

13:01: World silver medalist Ahmad JAVAN (IRI) survives a stiff test from Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), piling up an early lead then gaining a late defensive takedown to notch an 8-5 victory and advance to the 61kg semifinals. Javan gives up a takedown to start the match, but reverses and gains two exposures for a 5-2 lead. The two trade stepouts early in the second period before Hasegawa cuts the gap to 1 with a takedown with 1:30 left. But when he shoots for the potential winning score, Javan deftly leaps over him and gets behind to clinch the victory.

12:52: Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) prevails in his latest encounter with longtime rival Bekzat ALMAZ UULU (KGZ), scoring a takedown with :04 left for a 4-3 win and a place in the 61kg semifinals. Each wrestler had received an activity point when Almaz Uulu went ahead with a pair of stepouts. But Addullaev connected on a single and reeled in Almaz Uulu for the takedown, which survived the subsequent challenge. In their most recent meeting, Almaz Uulu won 8-0 in the 57kg semifinals at the World Championships.

12:50: AMAN (IND), a former Asian champion at 57kg, takes his time to get going but once he does, he finishes his 61kg quarterfinal 11-0 against Changsu KIM (KOR) and advance to the semifinals.

12:46: Zagreb Ranking Series champion and returning bronze medalist Shamil SHARIPOV (BRN) comes out with a 2-point exposure from an odd scramble that starts when he jams up a back suplex attempt by Arslanbek TURDUBEKOV (KGZ) in their 125kg quarterfinal. An unsuccessful challenge makes it 3-0, which is how the first period ends. In the second, Sharipov secures a bear hug and attempts a back suplex himself, from which he gets a 2-point takedown. He adds a defensive takedown to chalk up a 7-0 win.

12:42: Mobin AZIMI (IRI) works on a 9-0 victory over Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN) at 92kg. Ishiguro never seemed to trouble Azimi, who is a U23 world champion

12:32: Azamat DAULETBEKOV (KAZ), looking to add to his extensive collection of Asian medals — six overall, including three golds, dating back to 2017 -- overcomes a tough foe in Bat Erdene BYAMBASUREN (MGL) for a 3-0 win at 92kg. Dauletbekov, who took a bronze last year, scores a takedown in the first period and adds a stepout in the second.

12:29: Two-time bronze medalist Magomed SHARIPOV (BRN) scores a takedown in each period and that's all he needs for a 5-0 victory over Hade AYIDUSI (CHN) and a place in the 92kg semifinals.

12:25: World champion at 70kg Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN) is ecstatic after beating Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) 7-6 in the 74kg quarterfinals. Aoyagi scored the first takedown of the match to lead 2-0 before a scramble and challenge from Yazdani switches the lead to 4-4 criteria for Yazdani. But Aoyagi with a takedown with 26 seconds left in the bout to take the lead again. Yazdani tries a body throw but Aoyagi blocks him and Yazdani falls on his back. It is initially score four points for Aoyagi but Iran wins another challenge and it scored a stepout for Yazdani on review. Aoyagi, leading 6-5, gives up a stepout while trying to escape but still holds 6-6 criteria. Iran challenge again the last 15 seconds but there is no takedown from Yazdani as he drops the bout 7-6. WIth the win, Aoyagi avenges his loss against Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) from two years ago at 70kg.

12:22: Orozobek TOKTOMAMBETOV (KGZ), looking to improve on his silver medal from last year in the stacked 74kg weight class, JAIDEEP (IND) takes a fragile lead with an activity point and stepout in the first period. In the second, Toktomambetov fends off everything Jaideep throws at him to snatch a 2-0 win.

12:15: Bolat SAKAYEV (KAZ) begins his bid to improve on his silver medal from last year at 86kg with a 12-2 rout of Song Gang JI (PRK). Sakayev opens with a counter lift for 2, and after giving up a takedown, pulls away with a takedown, two exposures and a gut wrench to lead 10-2 at the break. He ends with chest wrap counter 37 seconds in the second period.

12:05: Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) has had some heartbreaking moments in recent years. A gold at the Asian Championships can perhaps bring some confidence back to him. He takes the first step towards the title with a 12-2 routing of Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) at 86kg.

12:00: Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ), a former U17 and U20 world champion, gets a takedown in the final minute to pull off a 2-2 criteria win over Nambardagva BATBAYAR (MGL) at 125kg with cheers from the crowd. He gets to face world champion Amir Hossein ZARE (IRI) next

11:58: Olympic and world bronze medalist Gulomjon ABDULLAEV (UZB) gets his campaign started at 61kg by notching a takedown in each period for a 4-1 victory over returning bronze medalist Wanhao ZOU (CHN).

11:51: Asian Games champion Toshihiro HASEGAWA (JPN), wrestling for the first time since that win in October 2023, starts off with a 6-2 victory over Assyl AITAKYN (KAZ) at 61kg. The match hung in balance with Hasegawa leading 4-2 and Aitakyn attacking non-stop. But Hasegawa got on a double-leg attack and then held Aitakyn in danger for two points to get a 6-2 lead. He managed to hold on to it till the end of the time.

11:49: Takashi ISHIGURO (JPN), an 86kg bronze medalist last year who has moved up to 92kg, gets three gut wrenches off a takedown to finish up a 12-2 win over Punit KUMAR (IND) and advance to the quarterfinals.

11:48: In a clash between last year's Asian U23 bronze medalists at 61kg, Kwang Myong KIM (PRK) dominates, scoring a 4-point takedown en route to a 10-0 win over Batnasan GANKHULEG (MGL) in just under two minutes.

11:45: Yoshinosuke AOYAGI (JPN), the world champion and three-time Asian medalist at 70kg who has moved up to the Olympic weight of 74kg, uses a low single and locks his head between the thighs of 2-2021 bronze medalist Sumiyabazar ZANDANBUD (MGL), then hits a "wishbone" roll to take a 3-0 lead into the break. Aoyagi puts up an impenetrable wall of defense and walks off with a 3-0 win.

11:36: Asian U23 champion JAIDEEP (IND) gets a takedown and exposure to open a 5-0 lead in the first period against Daegil HAN (KOR), then turns him in the second period for a fall and he's into the 74kg quarterfinals.

11:27: Amirmohammad YAZDANI (IRI) hugs Anil GEDARAA (SRI) as if to apologize after pinning him using a cradle in their 74kg match.

11:20: Malik SHAVAEV (KGZ) breaks a 1-1 deadlock with a single-leg takedown with 59 seconds left in his 79kg qualification-round bout before holding on for a 3-1 win over Khidir SAIPUDINOV (BRN), a world bronze medalist and Asian silver medalist last year at 79kg. After taking the lead, Shavaev tries to run out the clock but shooting again. Saipudinov desperately tries to break the hold, and eventually gets behind Shavaev, who keeps his knees off the mat. Saipudinov runs him out of the ring, but time had already run out.

11:14: Song Gang JI (PRK), the heaviest wrestler to represent the DPR Korea at the Asian Championships since 2010, gets off to a roaring start at 86kg. He follows a single-leg takedown with four back-and-forth gut wrenches for a 10-0 win over Madushanka MUDIYANSELAGE (SRI) in 36 seconds.

11:03: In the opening match on Mat A, brawny 2024 world U23 bronze medalist Yudai TAKAHASHI (JPN) slams down Weng CHOW (SGP) for a 4-point takedown that gives him a 10-0 win 56 seconds into their qualification round bout at 86kg

Wrestling Fights its Way Back onto Olympic Programme

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Iran, Bahrain Put Three in Asian Championships Final