Tokyo 2020

President Statement on Tokyo 2020 and Next Steps

Friday, March 27, 2020 - 17:25 By United World Wrestling Press

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Dear Athletes and Members of the Wrestling Community,

Coming from the Joint Statement of the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, I would like to inform you that the Tokyo2020 Games will be postponed to no later than Summer 2021.

This decision was made after accounting for the health of the athletes, those involved in the Olympic Games, and the international community at-large.

The decision to delay will have a significant impact on our athletes and the remaining qualification process. Like other federations and stakeholders, we are waiting to receive more detailed guidelines from the IOC Sports Department concerning the qualification process and will provide an update as soon as possible.

I understand that this delay impacts your preparations, and there are many uncertainties at this moment, but I assure your health and safety remain our top priority.  As things change, I promise to keep you up to date.

In the coming weeks, the United World Wrestling executive board will meet via teleconference and – keeping the global situation in mind -- make decisions to help determine the remaining UWW events for 2020.

Tokyo 2020

Bishkek Announced as New Host of 2020 Asian Olympic Qualifier, Team China to Attend

Thursday, February 20, 2020 - 16:28 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 20) -- The executive board of United World Wrestling has approved Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan as the host of the 2020 Asian Olympic Qualifier. The competition will be held March 27-29.

Xi'an was originally scheduled to host the event, but the championship was reallocated in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus which is affecting several large cities in China.

"We are glad to see that the Kyrgyzstan government and the Kyrgyzstan Wrestling Federation were able to step in as a suitable replacement for this important event," said United World Wrestling president, Nenad Lalovic. "Moving an event this close to the competition date is not ideal, but we must consider the health of the athletes and ensure that everyone who wants to compete at the qualifiers has the opportunity."

Chinese wrestlers eligible to compete in the Olympic qualification event have been routed to Serbia where they are going through an extensive quarantine process. The athletes were evaluated by medical professionals in China before leaving and by local officials upon arrival in Serbia.

While in Serbia the Chinese wrestlers will be provided workout equipment, wrestling mats, and all other items necessary for a healthy training camp. From Belgrade the wrestlers will fly to Bishkek for the competition.