IOC Presidential Candidate Bach Talks Up Wrestling’s Chances for Olympic Return

July 31, 2013

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President and Presidential candidate Thomas Bach believes wrestling has a good chance of returning to the Olympic programme after the sport underwent major changes.

Wrestling, baseball/softball and squash are battling to be chosen for the 2020 Olympic Games and will learn their fate in September at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires.

At the same session, Bach will also learn if he was successful in his bid to become the next IOC President and he talked-up wrestling’s chances of inclusion.

Bach told the Foreign Press Association (VAP): “I have the impression that the international federation (FILA) has understood very well the messages sent to them.

“The international federation has drawn its conclusions. It is now here with a new president, new programme and new ideas for the sport. That is why I personally believe that wrestling has good chances to come through the vote in September.”

There was genuine shock when the IOC cut wrestling from the programme in February, with the sport considered an integral part of the modern Olympic Games.

Since then FILA has made rule changes to make the sport visibly easier for spectators and have hired a new President, Nenad Lalovic.

Presidential campaign

Bach also added that he was looking forward to the vote for President as he hopes to take over from Jacques Rogge.

“I’m looking forward to the vote and as a sportsman I naturally want to win the competition,” he said.

“I’m preparing myself as best as I can for the ‘final competition’. I hope I can win the confidence of my fellow IOC members. But as a sportsman I know that even if the preparations are ideal you can still end up losing on the day of the event. It’s going to be an exciting day on September 10.”

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