All of the modifications were discussed and approved in French capital Paris in August, on the sidelines of the UWW World Championships.

The changes have been designed to make Greco-Roman "more active, more offensive and more dynamic".

To this end, emphasis will now be placed on scoring from the standing position.

So-called "negative" wrestling, including blocking, pushing and interlocking fingers, will also face much stricter penalties.

All cautions will be worth one point with standing wrestling seen as the "principle element" in Greco-Roman.

Interruptions due to passivity will be limited, and "ordered bottom wrestling" will only apply if both competitors are nearly equal in standing.

Passivity will be confirmed by the mat chairman alongside falls and cautions. 

Greco-Roman, freestyle and women's wrestling competitions take place at the Olympic Games.