FILA is pleased to announce the start of the 3rd World Grappling Championships and 4th World Pankration Championships in Cracow, Poland. Host Nation Poland has prepared a wonderful Championship at the new Skala Sports Hall which has already been the site of several major international combat events. In a first for FILA Grappling, this is the first World Championship with a limit of one entrant per country making this truly a World Championship. Even with this rule, the growth and popularity of FILA grappling is reflected by a record number of 23 participating countries. FILA Grappling welcomes first time Nations Germany, Sweden, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and South Africa. Pankration is due to begin tomorrow, with 17 Nations registering athletes to date. In another first for Grappling and Pankration, the top 8 athletes in selected weight classes at this event will win qualification for The SportsAccord Combat Games to be held in Beijing, China.
These championships under FILA guidelines similar to those already used in wrestling, will also sees the amalgamation of the Grappling and Pankration referees. Referees will now officiate in both styles at this event, with the addition of Combat Grappling in the future. Similar to the athletes, the top 8 referees at this event will be selected to officiate at the SportAccord Combat Games. This event is a wonderful example to other Nations, of how the national Wrestling and Grappling Federations can work together to host a major international event. Praise must be given to both the Polish Wrestling Federation and the Polish Grappling Committee for their efforts in promoting and running this event. FILA acknowledges the exemplary work of the Polish Wrestling Federation for its technical support, experience and advice provided, but also the hands on work by many wrestling officials in helping run this event. FILA also recognises the professionalism and enthusiasm of the Polish Grappling Committee and its members in their preparation for hosting these World Championships.
On the Friday before the Championships, a general assembly of grappling nations was held and the nations present voted to accept the rule change for sweeps. This rule changes which will come into force at this Championships. In effect all reversals from a bottom position to a top position with control of three seconds regardless of finishing position on top will receive sweep points.
All results will be posted at the end of each session. Event can be viewed live on the web at www.giga.skala.pl
Fonte : Fila Grappling
Commenta