Rivals Go to the Mat in New York City to Save Olympic Wrestling

The World

As you can see from the picture above, Iran, the United States and Russia have a healthy rivalry when it comes to wrestling.

And that’s why wrestlers and coaches in all three countries are upset by the International Olympic Committee’s decision to possibly remove wrestling from the Olympic line-up starting in 2020.

Wednesday, in New York City – in the middle of Grand Central Station in fact – wrestlers from Iran, Russia and the US will compete in a series of exhibition matches designed to draw attention to the sport, and to try and save it from the IOC chopping block.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever! Every gift will be matched 2:1, so your impact will go even further.