With wrestling going in for major revamp in its archaic rules, the Indian grapplers are hopeful of the sport being shortlisted when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets tomorrow in St Petersburg to decide the fate of eight disciplines to be included in 2020 Olympics
The international wrestling-governing body, FILA, at its Extraordinary Congress on May 18, majorly tweaked the format of the bouts besides bringing in constitutional changes to include women in decision making bodies.
"We are very optimistic about tomorrow's meeting of the IOC. We have made necessary changes to make our sport more viewer friendly. Thats what IOC wanted us to do. I see no reason why we will not be shortlisted," said Raj Singh, general secretary of Wrestling Federation of India and a former wrestler.
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In February this year, the ancient sport received a rude shock when it was removed from the list of 25 core sports after 2016 Olympics in Rio.
"IOC president (Jacques Rogge) has also reacted positively to the changes made in the sport. And I am sure IOC will take it into account while making a decision," Singh said.
Besides wrestling, seven other sports -- a combined baseball and softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, wakeboarding -- would be vying for a slot in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic programmes as an additional sport.
