National Chinese Wrestling Championships Set to Expand in 2026
China’s national Chinese wrestling scene is gearing up for a busy 2026, with a series of championships and competitions scheduled across multiple provinces. These events, organized by the State General Administration of Sport’s Weightlifting, Wrestling & Judo Administrative Center, promise a significant boost to the sport’s development and visibility.
A Packed Competition Calendar
The 2026 calendar includes events for various age groups and skill levels. Here’s a breakdown of the key competitions:
- National Chinese Wrestling Championships: March 16-25, 2026, hosted in Leshan Normal College, Sichuan Province.
- National Chinese Wrestling Youth Championships: May 8-13, 2026, in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
- National Chinese Wrestling Club Competition: June 8-15, 2026, hosted by the Hubei Provincial Sports Bureau.
- National Chinese Wrestling Youth Championships (Qualifying Round 1): July 16-22, 2026, in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province.
- National Chinese Wrestling Youth Championships (Qualifying Round 2): August 1-7, 2026, in Qian’an City, Hebei Province.
- National Chinese Wrestling Youth Championships: September 16-21, 2026, in Shangqiu City, Henan Province.
- National Chinese Wrestling Championship: October 19-25, 2026, in Luoyang City, Henan Province.
Eligibility and Participation
The competitions are open to athletes meeting specific age criteria. The National Championships and Championship events are for athletes aged 18 to 45 (born between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 2008). The Club Competition welcomes athletes aged 18 to 25 (born between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2008). Youth Championships have separate age brackets, including those aged 15-17 and 12-14, as well as a younger group aged 9-11.
Participation requires representation from provincial, autonomous region, municipality, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, industry sports associations, and higher education institutions. Teams are limited to one male and one female team, with a maximum of two athletes per weight class.
Weight Classes and Competition Format
The competitions will feature various weight classes for men and women. The National Championships and Championship events include classes from 52kg to 100kg+ for men and 48kg to 82kg for women. Youth Championships have different weight classes tailored to their age groups.
The competition format varies based on the number of participants. Events with six or more participants will use a single-elimination bracket, awarding medals to the top five finishers. Events with fewer participants will use a round-robin format, with medals awarded to the top three.
Emphasis on Sportsmanship and Discipline
The organizers emphasize adherence to sports ethics and discipline. Violations will be addressed according to the regulations outlined in the “Disciplinary Rules for the 15th National Games Chinese Wrestling Project” and the “Provisions on the Identification and Handling of Intentional Negative Competition and Unjustified Withdrawal in the 15th National Games Chinese Wrestling Project.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chinese Wrestling
These championships represent a significant investment in the future of Chinese wrestling. By providing opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels, the State General Administration of Sport aims to cultivate a thriving wrestling community and enhance China’s performance on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I discover more detailed information about the competition rules?
A: The competitions will follow the “2020 Edition of the Chinese Wrestling Competition Rules.”
Q: What health requirements are there for participation?
A: Athletes must provide a health certificate from a hospital at the county level or above, including ECG and EEG results, as well as proof of personal accident insurance.
Q: Who can I contact for further inquiries?
A: Zhu Kerun can be reached at 010-67029010.
Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: Registration deadlines will be announced in supplementary notices for each event.
