Explained: How are points scored in wrestling at the Olympics? 

Men's wrestling match at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Men's wrestling match at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Wrestling is often seen as a sport that is not likely to gain attention or limelight at the Olympics. However, those who have been following this sport for a long time, clearly know how interesting wrestling is when two wrestlers spar off on the mat.

There are two types of wrestling being played at the Olympics - Freestyle and Greco-Roman. In freestyle wrestling, the wrestler is allowed to use either double leg or single to pin down an opponent, whereas in greco-roman, a wrestler has to avoid any holds below the waist of an opponent.

Greco-Roman is the oldest form of wrestling and has been part of the Olympics since 1896.

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In both the wrestling styles, points are awarded to the players by the judges based on their overall performance. The points are divided into three - Technical points, Classification points, and points in case of a tie.

On that note, let's take a look at three scoring points in wrestling at the Olympics.


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How points are scored in wrestling at the Olympics?

Technical Points

The wrestlers are awarded technical points based on techniques they apply while sparring with the opponents during a match. The judges will see whether a player is applying the correct technique while reversing and pinning down an opponent. A wrestler will be awarded one point if he applies the right moves and technique.

If a wrestler pins down an opponent then that player will get a point. If an opponent reverses the hold and pins down a player, then the opponent will also be awarded a point by the judges. There are cases where a wrestler might get extra points if he/she applies and executes the most difficult moves and techniques.

In the technical round, the ability, strength and skills of a wrestler to defeat an opponent will be tested.

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Classification Points

Classification points are being given to both the wrestlers at the end of the match. This will be based on the overall performance of the wrestlers in a match. Judges during the match will determine the winner of the game.

Wrestlers can win the match either by being a player who doesn't have any injury or withdrawals during the match, or by technical advantage, meaning a wrestler has gained more technical points than their opponent. Therefore, technical points are important as it will give an advantage to a wrestler to earn a win.


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Points In case of a match tie

There are several cases where a wrestling match at the Olympics might end up in a tie. In this case, a number of tie-breaking rules will come into play. For instance, if a wrestler had scored the highest points while holding an opponent, then that player would be declared as a winner by the judges.

If this criteria is not met, then a wrestler who scored a last technical point will emerge as the winner of the match. If neither of the wrestlers could score a technical point, then the wrestler who is considered as most active during the match will win the match.

Sometimes, points in case of a match tie gets into controversy if a wrestler believes there is an error while judging the match.


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Edited by SANJAY K K
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