The International Sumo Federation (IFS) is the largest international governing body of sport Sumo with over 87 member countries. It was formed on 10 December 1992 and is the only Sumo organization recognised by the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency.
History On December 10, 1992, the IFS was established for Amateur sumo. The first Sumo World Championships to be held under the aegis of the IFS was attended by a total of 73 competitors from 25 countries and territories. Thereafter, the Sumo World Championships have been held annually and the number of participants has continued to increase.
In 1995, Six continental Sumo Federations were set up. Each of these federations now holds its own Continental Sumo Federation Championship.
Members International Sumo Federation has 88 established National Sumo Federations.
International Sumo Federation has two forms of membership, National and Continental.
For example British Sumo is a national federation member whilst the European Sumo Federation is a Continental member.
Organization International Sumo Federation encourages the sport's development worldwide, including holding international championships. A key aim of the federation is to have Sumo recognized as an Olympic sport. Accordingly, amateur tournaments are divided into weight classes.
Weight classes 1992–2018 Weight class Men Women Jr. Men* Jr. Women* Open Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Heavyweight ≥115 kg ≥80 kg ≥100 kg ≥75 kg Middleweight 85−115 kg 65–80 kg 80–100 kg 60–75 kg Lightweight <85 kg <65 kg <80 kg <60 kg Age restrictions of 13–18 years old apply
2019–present Weight class Men Women Jr. Men* Jr. Women* Open Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Unrestricted Heavyweight ≥115 kg ≥80 kg ≥100 kg ≥75 kg Light Heavyweight 100–115 kg 73–80 kg (Unused) Middleweight 85−100 kg 65–73 kg 80–100 kg 60–75 kg Lightweight <85 kg <65 kg <80 kg <60 kg Age restrictions of 13–18 years old apply
Events Discipline championships Sumo World Championships European Sumo Championships North American Sumo Championships South American Sumo Championships Asian Sumo Championships African Sumo Championships Oceania Sumo Championships
Other events Sumo at the World Games World Combat Games
See also Honbasho Japan Sumo Association Professional sumo divisions Australian Sumo Federation US Sumo Federation
References