Role and places of wrestling in the olympic movement system

Abstract

Introduction. The threat of exclusion of wrestling (Greco-Roman, free, women's) from the 2020 Summer Olympics program, which arose in February 2013, has caused quite a reasonable concern for sports professionals and fans (Apojko, & Tarakanov, 2013; Shandrygos', & Myckan, 2014). Wrestling is one of the oldest sports that were included in the Olympiad programs in ancient times, and since the first Olympic Games of today (Athens, 1896) the fights of fighters have almost always and very organically been included in the rules of competition. The exclusion of wrestling from the Olympics, with three types at once, could cause irreparable damage to the entire Olympic movement, would increase antagonism between the members of the various martial sporting fights, and, as a result, adversely affect the development of sports in many countries.