Wrestling in battle to be included in the 2020 Olympic Games

Wrestling at the London 2012 Olympics (GETTY IMAGES)

Wrestling could be reinstated to the 2020 Olympic programme, just three and a half months after being dropped by the International Olympic Committee.

Despite being discarded by the IOC in February, wrestling's revamped format designed to make it more accessible meant it made the IOC's short list, which included squash and baseball/softball, for potential inclusion in the 2020 Games.

"Wrestling managed to convincingly present the changes they have undertaken, both on a sporting level as well as in the organisation," said IOC vice-president Thomas Bach.

The sports will be put to the vote at the IOC session in Buenos Aires in September with just one sport winning a place at the Games.