FILA argues for wrestling in 2020 Olympics

World Wrestling body FILA made its final presentation here Friday before the 125th International Olympic Committee (IOC) session to save the sport's position in the 2020 Olympic Games.

The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) president, Nenad Lalovic, along with Canadian Olympic gold medallist Carol Huynh, French Wrestling Federation vice president Lise Legrand, Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel Igali and chief operating officer of the Baku 2015 European Games Jim Scherr joined the lobby team, Xinhua reported.

Wrestling dates back to ancient Olympics. Either Greco-Roman or freestyle wrestling or both have been in every modern Olympics except the 1900 Games in Paris.

However, it was surprisingly taken out of the 2020 Olympics by the IOC executive board in a February vote as the Olympics body looked to freshen its sports programme.

It has since battled back into contention, joining squash and baseball/softball as the three candidates on a shortlist for one spot on the programme of the 2020 Olympics.

The IOC will select one of these sports at its session here Sep 8.

The five-member lobby team highlighted changes made by FILA since the sport was recommended for removal from the Olympic programme, including new rules to the different wrestling styles and the formation of an athletes' commission.

The federation has made redistribution on weight classes between men and women, which will provide women with additional opportunities to participate in the games, according to FILA.

The federation president promised a "new, exciting and modern" wrestling to the world.

"We have developed wrestling world plan which is a strategic plan for the entire wrestling community," said Lalovic.

"The first stage of the plan will be the implementation of world championships later this month," he added.

Lalovic believed this phase should optimise the feel in internal process, improve event presentations and develop the wrestling brand.