Women’s wrestling in India follows the regulations set by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport. These rules are also adopted by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Here are the key rules and regulations:

Categories and Weight Classes

Age Categories: Wrestling competitions are categorized into different age groups such as Cadets, Juniors, and Seniors.

Weight Classes: For Senior Women’s wrestling, the weight classes include 50 kg, 53 kg, 55 kg, 57 kg, 59 kg, 62 kg, 65 kg, 68 kg, 72 kg, and 76 kg.

Match Structure

Duration: A match consists of two periods of three minutes each, with a 30-second break between periods.

Victory Conditions:

• Points: The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match wins.
• Pin/Fall: A wrestler wins by pinning both of the opponent’s shoulders to the mat.
• Technical Superiority: A wrestler wins if they achieve a 10-point lead over the opponent.
• Injury or Forfeit: A match can also be won if the opponent is injured or forfeits.

Scoring Points

Takedown: 2 to 4 points, depending on the technique and execution.

Reversal: 1 point for reversing the position.

Exposure: 2 points for exposing the opponent’s back to the mat.

Out of Bounds: 1 point if the opponent steps out of the wrestling area.

Penalty Points: Given for various infractions, like passivity, illegal holds, etc.

Techniques and Holds

Takedowns: Techniques to bring the opponent to the mat from a standing position.

Throws: Techniques involving lifting and throwing the opponent.

Leg Attacks: Techniques targeting the opponent’s legs to gain control or takedown.

Counters: Defensive moves to counter the opponent’s attacks.

Penalties and Infractions

Illegal Holds: Includes holds that could cause injury, such as headlocks without an arm, arm twisting, and full nelsons.

Passivity: Wrestlers must constantly attempt to engage and score. Passivity can result in warnings and points awarded to the opponent.

Fleeing the Mat: Intentionally leaving the mat to avoid being scored upon results in penalty points.

Conduct and Discipline

Fair Play: Wrestlers must compete fairly and respect the rules and their opponents.

Sportsmanship: Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as arguing with referees, is penalized.

Prohibited Substances: Wrestlers must adhere to anti-doping regulations. Use of prohibited substances can result in disqualification and suspension.

Match Officials

Referee: Controls the match, ensures the rules are followed, and makes decisions on points and penalties.

Judge: Assists the referee in scoring the match.

Mat Chairman: Supervises the match and resolves any disagreements between the referee and judge.

Competition Format

Tournament Structure: Wrestlers compete in a bracket format, with winners advancing to the next round until a champion is determined.

Repetitive/Repechage Rounds: Wrestlers who lose to the finalists enter repechage rounds for a chance to compete for bronze medals.

Domestic Competitions

National Championships: Organized by the Wrestling Federation of India, including the Senior National Wrestling Championship.

State and Regional Tournaments: Held to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level.

Professional Leagues: Leagues such as the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) follow international rules and feature top domestic and international wrestlers.

These rules ensure that women’s wrestling in India is conducted fairly and consistently, promoting the sport’s development and competitive integrity.